This article first appeared on HaltonHillsToday Feb. 20.
A local church is doing its part to help youths arrive at prom or graduation in style without breaking the bank.
Bethel Christian Reformed Church will soon host Cinderellas and Fellas - an opportunity for local guys and girls to pick a suit or formal dress at no cost, along with shoes, jewelry, purses and ties/bow ties.
The free shopping event is set for March 1 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Queen Street church, which will be transformed into an elegant boutique packed with hundreds of new or like-new options that have been donated by the community.
The church has hosted similar events in the past geared to girls.
“We’re now offering men’s formal wear and accessories too because it’s just as expensive to buy a suit for grad as it is a prom dress,” said Shannon Furzer, one of the event organizers.
“If we can bless you with your whole outfit, that would be great.”
With thrift store shopping being a trend among youths, Furzer is hopeful there will be a great turnout.
At last year’s ‘Yes to the Dress’ event at the church, she said there was a lineup of girls out to the road. Two women also found their wedding dresses at the event, with several bridal gowns up for grabs again this year at Cinderellas and Fellas.
Elizabeth’s Fashions in Georgetown has donated 40 brand new dresses suitable for prom or grad, and local residents have also contributed plenty of gorgeous options.
In addition, Furzer said she’s been working hand in hand with Mission Thrift Store in Guelph, which has donated bags of men’s formal wear.
“We couldn’t do this without the community,” she noted.
Donations of men’s or women’s formal wear and accessories in great or new condition will be collected until Feb. 28. These items can be dropped off at Smooth Solutions in Acton and Indaba Hair Studio in Georgetown during business hours, or left any time in the deck box outside the church doors at 365 Queen St.
A freewill offering of non-perishable food items will be accepted at the event to benefit the Roxy Centre food pantry and Acton Foodshare.
