With FreeHelpCK, assistance includes attire for grads and prom attendees.
The organization has announced its sixth annual prom and grad outfit giveaway begins April 15 and will continue every Saturday into May.
The giveaways take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays in the Downtown Chatham Centre across from T’s & Sweats.
In 2022, 398 students took part in the giveaway. Organizers expect the need to be greater this year as the cost of living continues to rise.
Information can be found at freehelpck.ca.
This year, on top of prom dresses and grad gowns, FreeHelpCK is also collecting suits and all other accessories for the students’ needs.
“We think it’s important to give every child a chance to feel special and take away all and any barriers that may stop them from participating in their grads or proms.
A child shouldn’t have to worry about fitting in because of their financial situation; this is why it’s important we help fill their needs by providing them with a beautiful outfit and helping them fit in by giving them the same opportunity to feel good about themselves,” organizers said in a media release.
FreeHelpCK officials urge families to donate their gently used dresses and suits.
The group also has the option of participants to pre-register for a photo shoot. Participants get dressed up, have their hair done and are photographed by a professional photographer at the Retro Suites.
