LVR Grad Closet offers free formalwear for all West Kootenay grads
Published 5:00 pm Thursday, February 12, 2026
The L.V. Rogers Grad Closet is a parent-led, community-supported initiative that ensures graduating students can access formalwear with dignity and choice. While the closet carries the LVR name and operates in partnership with the school district, it is driven year after year by parent volunteers and is open to graduates across the West Kootenays.
Originally launched as Cinderella’s Closet, the program began with parents collecting and storing dresses in private homes and school attic spaces. The first major milestone came when parents hosted a celebratory open house at a volunteer’s home, where students could try on dresses in a festive, welcoming environment. Shoppers Drug Mart provided makeup artists and goody bags, and photographer Kathryn Gardner donated her time for professional portraits and promotional photos.
This event highlighted the joy of the initiative and demonstrated how a boutique-style experience could be created for students.
As the program grew, parent volunteers intentionally reframed it as a sustainability and reuse project. Any graduating student could participate, regardless of background or financial circumstances. This expanded access, helped eliminate stigma and reduced costs for families.
A permanent, school-supported space was later secured at South Nelson Elementary (814 Latimer St., entrance at Hendryx Street), transforming former change rooms into a boutique-style environment where students could shop privately and comfortably. Community support played a key role in making the space functional and welcoming. SpeedPro donated signage, Glacier View Glass donated and installed mirrors, and Maglio’s Building and Home Hardware (now RONA Nelson) supplied paint. This eliminated the need to move inventory each year and made it easier for future parent committees to manage.
Ongoing support has also come from Positive Apparel and SHARE Nelson, helping ensure the closet remains accessible year after year. Baker Street Menswear has also supported the program over the years, and this year they are kindly serving as a drop-off point for donations.
Students may keep or return their outfits, helping the collection continue to serve future classes.
The closet will host open houses on Feb. 20 and 21. For more information or to access the closet, graduates and families from across the West Kootenays are encouraged to email [email protected] or visit the closet on Facebook and Instagram.
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