High school graduation is a highly anticipated event for Grade 12 students across the district.
However, some students have more obstacles than others reaching this goal, and when they do, some can’t even afford to attend their special day.
The formal attire alone can cost hundreds of dollars, not to mention all the accessories and photos.
Putting on the Glitz is a grassroots initiative involving PLEA Community Services, representatives from Ridge Meadows Community Service Agencies and local businesses.
PLEA organizes Putting On The Glitz, which provides clothing and accessories for students to attend their high school graduation ceremonies.
Each year, the event helps between 30 to 50 students who otherwise would not be able to attend their graduation.
Students in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are referred to the program by school counselors and teachers.
Two dress drives are coming up for the event, for which people can drop off their gently used donations.
The first dress drive is taking place on Jan. 20 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Valley Fair Mall, 22709 Lougheed Hwy. in Maple Ridge.
The second drive is Jan. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Haney Place Mall, 11900 Haney Place.
Graduation dresses, including any sort of evening gown, graduation dress or cocktail dress, jewellery, hair pieces, accessories, men’s suits, shoes, and purses will all be accepted.
This year, Putting on the Glitz is taking place on March 6.
Students who qualify will have the opportunity to shop for a free graduation outfit. There are seamstresses on site to do minor alterations.
Professional hair stylists and makeup artists do their hair and makeup and photographers will take cap and gown grad photos and formal grad photos all for free.
And at the end of the night they get to take everything home with them to have for their graduation day.
• For more information contact Aman Atwal, coordinator of volunteers at PLEA Community Services, at 604-476-2821.