It’s all about inclusivity and affordability.
Those are the foundation points behind Free Help CK’s annual Prom and Grad Boutique.
In its seventh year, the boutique will open at its location inside 100 King in Chatham on April 11 to provide free prom dresses and suits to young women and men around Chatham-Kent.
Geri Ann Hughson, executive director of Free Help CK, said when they opened the boutique in its first year, they had 30 dresses.
“We’re now at 400. It’s pretty amazing,” she said. “I didn’t expect it to grow this big. It just tells me every child will go to the prom. You don’t want someone not going because they can’t afford a dress.”
Last year marked the first time the boutique offered suits and dress shoes for the lads.
“Last year, we helped 496 individuals,” Hughson said of the boutique. “All of them bring them (the dresses and suits) back. If they make a donation, they can keep the dresses.”
However, since most are one-time use apparel, she said people tend to return the items.
Hughson said no two dresses in the boutique are alike.
“You don’t have to worry about going to prom and someone has the exact same dress,” she said.
Furthermore, Free Help CK organizes their space downtown like it’s an actual clothing shop.
“The mall’s shop is set up just like a boutique. You can try them on until you find the perfect one,” Hughson said. “We set it up like you’re shopping.”
On top of the free apparel borrowing, Free Help CK also organizes an event where members can dress up to get their photo taken.
“June 13 is a big day. They can come in and get their hair and makeup done and go over to the Retro Suits and get their pictures done,” Hughson said. “Michael Cartier does the photography.”
The first day the boutique opens each season is a “zoo,” according to Hughson.
“Opening day is usually the biggest. It’s a lot of fun. It goes by so fast,” she said.
This year, the boutique will be open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day.
Hughson said Free Help CK will usually open the store on Saturdays after that, and there will be some special scheduling allotments.
“We do have some who identify different. We have a special day for that as well,” she said. “We want everyone to feel welcome.”
Additional days will be booked on need. Hughson said some just can’t handle the crowd on opening day.
“We have a lot of kids with high anxiety. It makes it hard to come in when there’s a lot of people in the shop,” Hughson said.
Aside from dresses and suits, Free Help CK gives students access to shoes, jewelry and other accessories, Hughson said.
“We believe every student deserves to feel confident and celebrated at prom and grad,” Hughson said. “This program is about dignity, opportunity, and making sure no young person misses out because of cost.”
For more information, visit freehelpck.ca.
