A new program called Ever After Attire is emerging to support local youth with formal wear loans
A new champion has stepped forward to help enable local youth in celebrating their graduation in style after a previous program was dissolved.
The Glass Slipper Boutique in Williams Lake provided formal wear on loan for youth who may not otherwise have been able to afford high end outfits. The program was looking for a new champion and did not find one, leading to the liquidation of the stock of donated dresses, tuxes and suits, along with accessories like shoes and purses.
The resulting online controversy when dresses showed up on Marketplace got the attention the program needed in order for people to offer space and time, the two things which had been missing to keep the program operating.
Rick Magnell, owner and operator of Origin 8 and Gear Locker Rentals in Williams Lake, has since offered to help support a renewed formal wear loan program for area youth with some space and skills, but he’ll still need volunteers to help organize, host fittings, and figuring out cleaning and repairs.
Magnell saw the online discussion around the loss of the Glass Slipper dress stock, and decided he had some space and some skills he was willing to put to use for the cause for the community, though he doesn’t plan to be doing it alone.
“I’m hoping some people volunteer and run the pop-ups for me,” he said.
He said the program will now be known as Ever After Attire, in order to identify it as a new entity, and he’s figuring out how it might work as he goes.
Despite being in the middle of other projects and getting ready for a vacation, Magnell wanted to offer to help ensure a similar program to the Glass Slipper would continue in the community.
“It’s just kind of off the side of my desk at the moment,” he said.
He said he has a space in town to house the stock, has confirmed two drop off locations for donations and is already working on a website to help provide information for both users and donors.
Donated formal wear can be brought to BGC Williams Lake Club (formerly Williams Lake Boys and Girls Club) at 17 South Fourth Avenue and Three Sisters Spa and Salon at 118 B First Avenue North.
So far he has three dresses, two donated by his daughters and $1,000 to kick off cleaning costs donated by Horsefly Realty’s Michelle and Victor Khong.
When he has the time, he said he plans to renovate the change room at his studio to accommodate trying on the larger gowns for when the pop-ups occur.
Check everafterattire.ca or Ever After Attire on Facebook for more information on when the program is up and running.
The work now will be to compile systems, volunteers, donations to cover cleaning and repairs and developing contacts and a plan to make it all happen.
“Together we can create a program that lasts – one that ensures every student’s story ends with an unforgettable celebration,” wrote Magnell on the Ever After Attire social media page.
To volunteer or provide services or support, message Ever After Attire on their Facebook Page or email: [email protected].
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