BOUTIQUE DAY

Throughout the year, the Cinderella Project collects donations of new and used formal wear. Each spring, the project holds a "Boutique Day" in a ballroom donated by the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel.

Cinderellas and Cinderfellas from the Greater Vancouver area come to Boutique Day to select their graduation outfits and celebrate their achievements. With the assistance of a "fairy godmother" or "godfather", each grad selects a gown, suit or tuxedo, shoes, purse and accessories. Students have their hair and makeup done and receive gift bags full of essentials such as personal care products and toiletries. They are fussed over and pampered - often for the first time in their lives.

The Cinderella Project sees Boutique Day not as a handout but rather as a way to acknowledge the fact that these outstanding students have achieved a significant milestone and overcome significant challenges to do so. The students spend the day with positive role models celebrating their success and discussing their future plans.

Since Boutique Day is about respecting and celebrating diversity, the venue is wheelchair accessible and located near public transit. The project provides godparents who know sign language or have experience working with the visually impaired. The selection of available formal wear includes outfits appropriate to a variety of cultures.