ABOUT US

The Cinderella Project is a federally registered, 100% volunteer-based charity founded in Vancouver, B.C. in 1999.

The latest statistics indicate that more than one in five, or twenty percent of all children in Canada live below the poverty line. Many of these children, they come from families with little or no formal education.  Without a high school education, employment opportunities are limited and this causes the cycle of poverty to continue. 

The Cinderella Project was started to help encourage youth to stay in school and achieve the milestone of high school graduation, giving young people the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.

It is a magically simple concept; we know that youth in our community who are living in low income situations can not afford to celebrate the graduation festivities along side their fellow students and as a result many of them don’t see the value in completing high school.  These students are referred to the Cinderella Project by their teachers, principals or social workers to participate in a day of recognition, self-esteem boosting and mentorship. On this day, “Boutique Day”, we provide these special students with formal attire so they can attend their graduation festivities with pride.  Without assistance these students could not afford to participate in celebrating this important milestone. The Cinderella Project works to remove social barriers and promote inclusiveness and diversity. We recognize outstanding young people who have succeeded in the face of overwhelming odds and boost their confidence and self esteem through respect and positive mentorship. Nearly half of all Cinderellas and Cinderfellas are chronically ill or physically or developmentally disabled. More than two-thirds of those students who are physically able to work juggle multiple jobs before and after school to help support their families. Many are caring for ailing parents or raising younger siblings with little support. Most have never had a childhood.

Read more about Boutique Day...

Read more about the Volunteers...

Fundraising and Sponsorship
The Cinderella Project relies solely on financial and product support from individual donors and corporate sponsors to fund the program. One hundred percent of all merchandise and cash donations go directly towards operating and promoting the project.

Achievements to Date
Since its inception in 1999, the Cinderella Project has assisted approximately 1200 young people from around Greater Vancouver. The impact of the Cinderella Project extends well beyond graduation ceremonies. It's truly remarkable how one day of encouragement and positive mentorship can have a long-term impact on a young person's confidence, self-esteem and outlook on life.

Each year, the Cinderella Project receives numerous letters from parents, school counselors and teachers detailing the positive impacts the day has had on the graduates who participated. Equally touched by the Cinderella Project are parents, counselors, sponsors and project volunteers, many of whom return year after year to be part of this inspirational experience.

Spreading the Word
The founders of Vancouver's Cinderella Project have generously shared their knowledge and experiences with others who wish to start similar organizations in other areas. There are now over 80 related projects in Toronto, Peterborough, the Peel Region of Ontario, Edmonton, Mission, Penticton,  Kamloops, Kelowna, Victoria, Campbell River, Comox Valley, Saskatoon and inquiries have been received from as far away as California and New Zealand.

Cheques should be made payable to The Cinderella Project Society.