Putting on Glitz

Dress drive set for Valentine's Day at Haney Mall for graduating students

Putting on Glitz

A local organization is hoping to help those who can’t afford the costs of attending graduation ceremonies with its annual dress drive Feb. 14.

Putting on the Glitz is a community-based committee that aids local Grade 12 students who are facing financial constraints finding formal attire for their grad ceremony.

They will be at Haney Place Mall on Valentine’s Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. collecting donations for their third annual dress drive.

Yvonne Murray is a volunteer with Putting on the Glitz and said last year they helped about 20 students in the region, providing dresses and accessories, as well as doing hair and make-up. In addition, the program also provide’s either suits or a tuxedo rental for graduating boys.

“It’s an important landmark in the life of a graduate,” said Murray. “For those that have the financial constraints and feel they can’t go to grad because they don’t have a dress or a suit, this is an opportunity for them to honour their work for the last 12 years. It’s a way to give them that pride for all their work so they can truly enjoy that evening.”

Murray said students must be referred to the program from their school’s guidance counsellors.

• Anyone who’d like to donate a dress but can’t make it to Haney Place Mall on Feb. 14 can contact Michelle Cherak at 604-476-2821 or by e-mail at mcherak@plea.bc.ca.

Maple Ridge News