It is common for young girls to get dressed up to the nines for prom – a trend that comes with a hefty price tag.
Purchasing the dress, shoes and jewelry can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars for this one-day event.
It is a price many cannot afford and that is where Fairy Godmother of Ottawa comes in.
Fairy Godmother of Ottawa is a non-profit organization which collects new and gently used formal dresses, shoes and accessories and loans them to Ottawa area high school students for free.
“Everyone deserves to go to prom whether or not you can afford it and the price tag has gotten, over the years has gotten really really expensive, so this gives everyone the opportunity to look fabulous,” said Mary Ciancibello, a volunteer.
On Saturday organizers said more than 100 girls were scheduled to come pick out a free prom dress.
18-year-old Madison McLellan was one of them. She was there in search of a red dress.
“There was a dress in Montreal in this boutique and I died for it but it was just too expensive,” said McLellan.
So in true Cinderella fashion volunteers helped her find a similar one they had in stock, taking a lot of stress of mom Leeann.
“I’m a single parent so for me, with my own business, I would be able to typically afford a dress of this caliber… it such a help for us to make her big day really, really big,” she said.
Placid Akat, another young woman looking for a gown, said she would rather spend her savings on other things.
“On university and stuff like that so I think it’s really cool that they give people the opportunity to spend the day with their friends but not spend a lot of money,” Akat said.
Organizers said all of the dresses are cleaned when they are returned and stored for next prom season. Co-founder Michelle Whitla said every year is different but they are in need of jewelry and will need shoes for next year.
Those interested in donation can find more information by clicking here.
