(rdnewsNOWJosh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

stylin'

Gowns for Grads gets central Alberta teens ready for the big day

Feb 15, 2020 | 6:07 PM

For most teenagers, the chance to attend a grad party or prom only comes around once, so it’s important to do it in style.

But dresses, suits, tuxedos and of course shoes can set one back hundreds of dollars.

Certain circumstances are just part of life, which is why — for the second year — the Trenville Royal Purple Elks #248 hosted a Gowns for Grads event this weekend in Elnora. A showing also happens in the fall in Delburne.

“Some people can’t afford it or maybe they’re just too embarrassed to go shopping,” said Lynn Williams, secretary. “It’s just so wonderful to see the girls’ smiles. They do a twirl and you can see they’re so excited. It’s a wonderful feeling to have, and we like to help; that’s our cause, is to help kids.”

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Two young women receiving their diplomas this spring from Lacombe Outreach School were successful in finding the right fit on Saturday at the Elnora Community Hall.

Aurora Summer Morin recently moved into independent living and has struggled somewhat to make ends meet. She admitted that finding a grad dress she likes, and for free, is a huge monkey off her back.

“It was a relief because now I don’t have to save up,” she said. “It’s (also) nice to come here and look at all the dresses and have fun.”

For her friend, Amber Person, the circumstances were out of her and her family’s control.

“It’s been financially hard for my family. My dad just had neck surgery on Dec. 3, so he hasn’t been working,” Person shared. “The girls here have helped us with the dresses, and we haven’t had to pay anything, so I’m very grateful.”

In addition to Gowns for Grads, Williams noted that the #248 Elks help purchase medical equipment, assist with medical expenses for kids with health concerns, and contribute to the University of Alberta’s Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR).

“My graduation was many years ago,” Williams jokes. “When I found my dress, I knew it was the dress and it made the day. It makes you feel like a princess.”

Gowns for Grads gave out upwards of 50 dresses on Saturday, as well as three suits, one tuxedo, and several pairs of shoes, bumping them up to about 200 over the event’s two years.

Doors will be open again on Sunday (Feb. 16) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.