A Cape Breton store owner who says she was devastated by the thought of students not having a prom is stepping up to ensure thousands of high school students get to have a final dance.
Proms, dances held for students graduating high school, at five Cape Breton schools are in jeopardy due to an ongoing contract dispute between the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the province.
Brittany Woodworth, the owner of Timeless Moments bridal store, remembered her own prom with fond memories and wanted to ensure students had the same experience.
"When we get to sit back and watch all the kids walk around in their grand march, and they get to go to prom… it’s literally the best feeling in the entire world," she said.
"We are giving them a prom, no matter what," Woodworth told CTV Atlantic. "Doesn't matter what goes on externally, they're getting their prom this year."
Woodworth is funding the alternative prom; and she has booked a DJ and choreographers to help choreograph the grand marches, and is currently searching for venues capable of hosting students from five schools.
However, Woodworth admits her plan isn't completely altruistic.
The uncertainty surrounding prom has affected her business' bottom line, and a full-scale cancellation could wipe her out.
"It's enough to put us out of business," she acknowledged.
But she denies that her intention is purely motivated by selling dresses.
Students and parents say they’re grateful that a historic part of high school won’t be cancelled, even if it will largely help Woodworth’s business.
"All my friends and me were just so excited, Grade 12 prom is what you look forward to since you were just young. Now that we finally get to have it, it’s just exciting," said Grade 12 student Kasey Brown.
The teachers union and the provincial government are currently meeting under a media blackout this week in an attempt to come to an agreement over a contract.
With a report from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald
