Cinderella for one special night

As graduation draws nearer, Grade 12 students at Southridge are busy getting ready for the big day – finding the perfect dress/tux, picking out accessories and doing a run-through of hair and makeup.

And in the midst of their own preparations, the students have taken the time to ensure all graduates can look glamorous for the occasion.

For a second year, Southridge seniors are supporting the Cinderella Project, a volunteer-based charity that helps dress less fortunate grads with prom-attire.

The school is collecting gently-used formal wear including dresses, shoes and new dress shirts to donate to the project, which assists struggling grads around Greater Vancouver.

School moms Ruth Ward and Joanne Clark introduced the fundraiser to Southridge students, to open their eyes to the realities of grad for families in a financial bind.

“We liked the idea of grads helping grads,” Ward said.

Last year’s effort was a success with 100 gowns collected.

“They were actually beautiful dresses,” said Victoria Levy, a Grade 12 student organizer.

Southridge also raised $1,000 for the charity, which was used to sponsor five grads ($200 each).

And their goal is to do the same this year.

“We’re halfway towards that goal,” Ward said.

To raise money, seniors have organized events such as a Christmas bake sale and a lunch auction called the Great Grad Grub Grab.

“The main thing about Cinderella Project is that it’s kids helping kids,” Levy said.

“This (project) is neat because it’s in your community and helping someone here.”

Once donations are in, a ‘boutique day’ will be held in Vancouver where all of the clothing will be displayed for the grads – who are referred by a school counsellor – to look through.

They can then pick out shoes and accessories before hitting the hairdressing and makeup studio.

“They dress them from top to bottom,” Ward said. “And there’s something for everyone.”

The Cinderellas and Cinderfellas are paired up with an adult ‘fairy godmother,’ who takes them to each station – a position Ward took on last year.

“It was a really, really incredible experience,” she said.

“The kids that are there, some are mothers... and some of them have emotional difficulties, some of them are handicapped... these are kids that wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend their graduation without some help.

“Everyone ended up with a gorgeous dress. It was quite heartwarming to see the change.”

Southridge grads will receive gently-used formal wear until March 14. Cash donations are also welcomed.

Donations can be dropped off at the school, 2656 160 St. For more information, call 604-542-5292 or visit www.thecinderellaproject.com