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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

a rite of passage

‘Gowns 4 Grads’ returns to Red Deer Feb. 20-22

Feb 3, 2024 | 9:28 PM

Gowns 4 Grads is coming back to Red Deer.

The program, which started in 2018, provides free formal wear for teens with grad events upcoming, and is hosted by the Trenville Royal Purple Elks #248 (a central Alberta branch of Elks Canada).

The event goes Feb. 20 (1-5 p.m.), Feb. 21 (9-4) and Feb. 22 (9-3) at the Elks Hall (6315 Horn Street, Red Deer).

In addition to gowns, there are also suits, says Tammy Moyes, #248 member and Gowns 4 Grads committee member.

Since the beginning, the program has given out around 700 gowns and 60 suits.

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“During COVID, it was huge because people were off work and families were struggling financially. But now, even though we’re out of the pandemic, we’re dealing with huge inflation and families continue to struggle,” says Moyes.

“I’ve had parents in with their kids who are nearly moved to tears when their kid finds a dress that’s perfect or a suit that looks so great. It’s really special.”

The organization is seeking help with a couple things; one, a new trailer (U-haul style) for transport and storage; and two, volunteers to ease the load off the same half dozen to ten people who always give their time. They are always looking for more donations of gowns and suits as well.

READ MORE

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

Dates are also upcoming in Linden and Stettler.

The program comes to the Linden Community Centre from March 2-3 (9-4 & 10-3).

The Stettler event was supposed to have happened already, but was postponed due to extreme cold. A new date is to be determined and will eventually be posted here.

For more information, call 403-357-8292 or visit elksofalberta.ca.