NEWS RELEASES

MEDIA RELEASE

December 14, 2004

Gently used holiday wear makes a big difference for deserving Lower Mainland graduates

Vancouver, B.C. -- It’s a truly gorgeous gown, but you’ve worn it three holiday seasons in a row and it’s time for something new. Before you banish it to the back of the closet for yet another year, consider donating it to the Cinderella Project.

The Cinderella Project is a Vancouver-based non-profit group that collects gently used formal wear and dress shoes for underprivileged high school graduates who otherwise could not afford to participate in their high school graduation celebrations. Each April, the project holds a “Boutique Day” where students from around the Lower Mainland come to select their graduation outfits and celebrate their accomplishment in achieving the milestone of graduation.

“This holiday season we are asking people to take extra care when searching through their closet for a formal holiday outfit. Rather than leave that formal gown or suit – that you no longer wear – to collect dust in your closet for another year, we are asking you to think about donating these articles to those less fortunate via the Cinderella Project,” says Heather MacKenzie, co-founder of the project. “We always need lots of fun, fabulous outfits, shoes, jewelry and accessories that will make these deserving young people feel like true Cinderellas and Cinderfellas for an evening.”

Each year, approximately 150 Lower Mainland students are referred to the Cinderella Project by teachers, school counselors and social service agencies. Nearly half are chronically ill or physically or developmentally disabled. More than two-thirds of those who are able to work juggle multiple jobs before and after school to help support their families. Some are single parents, struggling to complete high school and many are caring for ailing parents or raising younger siblings with little support.

“It’s true that we want to help these kids celebrate their graduation with their friends, but in reality, this project is about so much more than gowns and tuxedos,” says MacKenzie. “It’s remarkable how one day of encouragement and positive mentorship from a caring adult can have a long-term impact on a young person's confidence, self-esteem and outlook on life. We’ve seen many times how this experience can literally change the life of a young person.”

Donations of formal wear, shoes and accessories for the Cinderella Project will be accepted until March 31 at the following locations:

• Moore’s Clothing for Men Lower Mainland stores
  • Burnaby: 5912 Kingsway
  • Richmond: 6151 No. 3 Road
  • Coquitlam: 3025 Lougheed Highway
  • North Vancouver: 333 Brooksbank Ave.
• The Sunset Grill Restaurant: 2204 York Ave., Vancouver
• Absolutely Fabulous Spa: 888 Beach Avenue at Hornby St., Vancouver
• West Vancouver United Church: 2062 Esquimalt Avenue, West Vancouver

Please ensure all donations are clearly marked for the Cinderella Project.

Don’t have any formal wear to donate? The Cinderella Project also accepts cash donations, which will allow the project team to purchase -- at significant discounts -- clothing for students, such as those with physical disabilities that cannot be accommodated through the inventory of clothing collected. “This year, we have a particular need for special shoes and clothes for young people with special needs. Aside from clothing, we are really short of cash that we need to purchase essentials such as bras, undergarments and socks or hosiery for those who are unable to purchase these items themselves.”

MacKenzie says the project is also in need of corporate and individual sponsors to donate new items such as cosmetics, toiletries, accessories or other teen-appropriate items for the gift bags that all students receive at Boutique Day. Without the generous support of these items their graduation day just wouldn’t be the same.

For more information about the Cinderella Project and how you can help, visit www.thecinderellaproject.com, or call 604-603-9155.

About the Cinderella Project

The Cinderella Project is a federally registered charity founded by Heather MacKenzie and Cheryl Otto in Vancouver, B.C. in 1999 to provide graduation attire to underprivileged students who otherwise could not afford to attend their high school graduation ceremonies. The organization recognizes outstanding young people who have succeeded in the face of overwhelming odds and boosts their self-esteem through respect and positive mentorship. The Cinderella Project works to remove social barriers and promote inclusiveness and diversity – the students referred to the project represent a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds.

The organization is entirely volunteer-based – there are no paid positions. The Cinderella Project relies solely on support from individual and corporate donors and sponsors to fund the program. One hundred percent of merchandise and funds donated go directly towards operating and promoting the project.

The first project of its kind in Canada, Vancouver’s Cinderella Project has inspired a number of similar organizations in other regions across the country. The Cinderella Project has been selected by the Canadian Red Cross as a finalist in its Power of Humanity Awards program.

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