Prom Project helps students go with the glam

Communities throughout the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board brought success to this year’s Prom Project events being held at eight of the board’s high schools.

Prom Project makes gently-used formal wear available to elementary and secondary school students who plan to go to prom, formals or graduation ceremonies. The clothing is provided free of charge through donations from the community.

Prince Edward Collegiate Institute students and staff hosted their  with a little help from friends.

“In addition to the many wonderful formal dresses and suits available, there are evening purses donated by Bentley’s and ties and white dress shirts, new this year, donated by Lafferty’s in the Quinte Mall,” said Caryn Phoenix-Renz, PECI guidance counsellor. “This will make it possible for many of our students to be beautifully outfitted for their proms and graduations, all at no cost. ”
In addition, Glenda Tracey, from Shoppers Drug Mart in Quinte Mall provided students with co-ordinated make up suggestions and supplies and Marvin Chapman, of Flowers by Marvin provided advice on corsages and boutonniere.

Scott’s General Store, Pearson’s Foodland and the Rossmore Stop were drop-off sites to collect the outfits and send them to drycleaners Northtown, Woodland and Parsons, who donated their services for the event.

The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation organizes the event for all eight schools with the board.

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to the prom this year,” said one student. “But seeing all this makes me want to go now.”