With high school graduation only a few weeks away, momentum builds as students and their parents gear up for one of the most significant milestones in life.
The Glass Slipper Boutique has racks and shelves of gowns, shoes, tuxes, bags, accessories and makeup, nail and hair professionals so that all grads can look their best on their special day.
Lora Fairbrother is the co-ordinator of the program, which is under the umbrella of the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake — located on the upper level of Haines Office World.
This is Lora’s second year with Glass Slipper, and she explained that they loan formal wear to young people, will help cover grad fees and help a grad’s date find something to wear.
Last year Glass Slipper helped 28 grads enjoy their milestone day. The program is sponsored by Boys and Girls Club, School District #27 and Communities that Care.
“At Glass Slipper kids can walk into a boutique just for them, where racks of beautiful gowns are laid out in front of them and they get to choose,” she explained.
“We even have retro and ‘alternative’ old-style garments that are very fun, as well as formal wear from the simply elegant to the ornate and spectacular are arranged by colour.”
All the items at Glass Slipper come from residents, other organizations and businesses in other areas who heard about what they do and offer to help.
There are gowns, accessories including shoes, bags, jewellery; tuxes and suits and shoes for guys, and hair accessories from flowers to tiaras.
With graduation looming, Fairbrother said that what they’re desperately lacking is smaller tuxes, suits, ties, bow ties and suits for boys.
“This is a great reason to clean out your guest room closet, your garage, attic or storage area and make a donation that can make grad possible for a young person,” she said.
Another way that you can help a grad is through the ‘Sponsor a Grad’ program, according to Fairbrother. “We have a list of kids waiting for someone to come along and help make their day memorable and fun; help with things like tux rentals, shoes, or a salon certificate for hair and nails,” she continued.
She added that there is a free salon day on Saturday June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with hairdressing, nail art and makeup, with “wonderful” volunteers who donate their time and expertise.
“Cariboo Cleaners does all the dry cleaning free for the boutique, and we send out a big thank you to the Lioness Club, Lake City Ford and Don Brown and Son Plumbing,” she continued.
“We’re in real need of hangers, and would certainly welcome donations of hair, nail and makeup items, fabric, patterns and sewing materials. You can donate all year round at the Boys and Girls Club; we’re also open to other youth events like winter formal or family events,” she noted. “We always invite all the private schools for grad wear, and support kids in things like drama projects and musical performances.”
Fairbrother said that one of her favourite moments is the look on a young person’s face who’s wearing formal wear for the first time in their life.
“It’s a huge milestone and they’ve worked hard for it,” she said. “Let’s help them celebrate.”
For more information about Glass Slipper phone Lora Fairbrother at 250-392-5730.