Prom is an event meant to celebrate the high school experience and look forward to what the future may hold.
Unfortunately for many it can also be a financially stressful time. Whether it’s the tickets to attend or finding an outfit at an affordable price, it all comes at a cost.
That’s why several Cambridge neighbourhood associations, led by Silverheights, have teamed up to run a Formal Wear Donation drive.
By collecting dresses, suits, shoes and accessories, the associations hope to be able to provide a free outfit for students who need one.
“We’re collecting any kind of prom outfit to help with the price,” Ceceillia Keyes, program coordinator at Silverheights Neighbourhood Association said.
“We’ll then hold a prom event where students can come in, pick out an outfit and try it on. We want them to still get that luxury feel that you would if you were going to a store.”
Keyes looks back on her own prom experience and admits it was a pricey event for a high school student.
Working closely with youth throughout the community, Keyes came to understand the cost has gone up significantly which prompted the idea for the donation drive.
“When I went to prom, it was $50 a ticket and I paid $300 for my dress which was crazy expensive at the time,” Keyes said.
“My brother went to prom last year and his friends were struggling when tickets were $75 each. A lot of my staff are high school students and they’re talking about how tickets are now $100 and their friends are spending $1,000 on their dresses.”
Seeing students and her staff spending that much on what should be a fun, affordable event to celebrate their high school accomplishments didn't sit right with her.
“It feels like a punishment almost when these kids are going off to university or working,” she said.
“They should be saving. After COVID, they should be able to enjoy life again.”
Keyes is one of the people spearheading the initiative but acknowledges it wouldn’t be possible without the help and support from other neighbourhood associations in the city.
“It means that we can help not just our community, but all of Cambridge,” she said.
“Working together by collecting the dresses and letting people know where they can go, it gives us the opportunity to help more than just our little community.”
All of the clothing will be dry cleaned and once an outfit is picked out, it’s the students to keep.
In addition to the essentials, Silverheights will have gift cards to get haircuts, hair styling and tuxedo rentals. The week before prom, the association is also looking at running a spa night.
Donations are now being accepted at any of the neighbourhood associations under the Cambridge Neighbourhood Organization or by emailing Keyes directly at [email protected].
