What these donated suits and gowns mean for some high school grads

• Collects gently used grad wear
• Giving every student a chance to look good

Graduating and to prom is a milestone for many teenagers finishing high school.

And while some relish in the opportunity to soak in the event, there are others who may not enjoy it because of the cost of getting a new suit or dress.

Wanting to make sure everyone could enjoy the special day, Julia Loveridge-Marks started Proud for Prom. The Rutland Senior Secondary School teacher started the organization to help students celebrate and graduate with the outfit of their dreams.

“It’s been so positive because without our organization, some of these kids just would not have been able to get dressed up and celebrate and have that memory,” she said.

The organization collects gowns, suits, shoes, jewelry and other accessories.

Loveridge-Marks has heard firsthand from her Grade 12 students about how expensive it is to go. Alongside this, she was inspired by a similar organization in the Lower Mainland called The Cinderella Project.

“That is the main purpose of our organization is to help enable all the graduates to be able to celebrate with their peers,” she said. “We’re not sticking the kids in anything that you’d find in a thrift store. Most of the items here you’d find in boutiques.”

She expects to welcome at least 77 students from SD23 this year and has seen numbers continue to rise annually.

She told Kelowna10 they do donation drives and have people inquiring frequently about how they can help.

“We have a lot of sponsors within Kelowna from businesses who donated money to help us purchase new suits through Moores,” she said. “We also have sponsors who closed shop in Vancouver, Kelowna, and the Fraser Valley, and they donated inventory from their stores.”

Information on how you can donate, or register can be found on online.