The Sudbury Women’s Centre is celebrating a decade of hosting its prom dress event aimed at helping ensure everyone can dress up for graduation. “Ahead of prom and graduation season, we gather up dresses (and) donations from our community,” said Carolyn Dawson, the centre’s communication and marketing coordinator. “Some have been donations from stores, as well, throughout the city. And we bring them here so that our students can come through and pick out dresses and gowns. We ask a $5 donation from those who are able so that we can continue the program.” This year’s event takes place April 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the women’s centre at 174 Douglas St. Dawson said they are still accepting donations. “We’re here 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,” she said. “And then Tuesdays we’re here 8:30 to 8:30. So anyone is welcome to stop by with dresses during our hours.” With the rising cost of living, Dawson said the event continues to be important to many people. “The dresses out there, hundreds, even thousands of dollars for a dress that you maybe might just wear for one night,” she said. ‘It’s such an important night’ “But it’s such an important night. I think a lot of people have such amazing memories of graduation and prom and formal. So it’s definitely so special to see everyone come together (and) pick out their dresses.” And it’s not just students – moms and grandmothers sometimes come to get dresses to attend their children’s grad. The April 13 event is also a partnership with Modern College and Shoppers Drug Mart on Long Lake Road. “They’re going to be here booking … complimentary hair and makeup appointments for the girls,” Dawson said. “So anyone who might need one of those is more than welcome to book with them.” Closet Share in Sudbury will be hosting a similar event for men called Suit Up for Grad. “We are hosting it for just boys -- Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduation,” said Melissa Porter, Closet Share founder. “They can get access to everything they need for their special day, as well.” The boys’ event will be held at Closet Share on April 18 from 1-4 p.m. and will include such items as suits, dress shirts, dress pants, ties, bow ties, belts, dress shoes, blazers and formal accessories. The second year of the event comes at a time when Closet Share is recovering from a devastating flood. “It’s been one of the hardest years I’ve ever experienced anything in my life,” Porter said. “It’s been a roller coaster to say the least. But we just keep taking those steps forward.” Donations are being accepted for the boys’ event and can be dropped off at 162 MacKenzie St. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Dan Bertrand
