LASALLE – Graduating high school students across Quebec will soon be attending an important night – their senior prom.
But for some, it can get a little expensive.
Five months ago, the vice-principal of Lasalle Community Comprehensive High School (LCCHS) opened a second-hand clothing store, Sparkle, to help girls who may not be able to afford a fancy dress.
Grade 11 student Sabrina Volpe said she has been looking forward to prom since she started high school five years ago.
“I was contemplating not going to prom because of all the costs,” Volpe said.
When she heard about Sparkle, she made an appointment, and fell in love with a satin, aquamarine, floor-length gown.
“I’m so excited,” she said.
“I never thought it would come.”
The store is filled with second-hand gowns that students can rent for $10, to help cut down on prom costs.
The fee is to pay for dry-cleaning.
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The school has 700 students and many admitted prom expenses were so high, they might not be able to go.
“I am sure there are students who get overwhelmed with how costly prom can be,” said prom committee member Briana Nicolai.
“So, they did not plan to attend, which is heartbreaking because it’s the [most] important night of high school.”
Josie D’Adamo, LCCHS vice-principal, came up with the idea for Sparkle in January when she started an online campaign asking for second-hand dresses.
Within a few months, she had collected 165 dresses, plus shoes, jewelry and clutch purses.
“I was trying to come up with something that could make a difference in children’s lives,” D’Adamo told Global News.
“To empower and build self-confidence.”
D’Adamo spent about $800 refurbishing the room that houses the store, and plans on holding fundraisers to cover her expenses.
“We wanted kids to be excited for their prom and to live that Cinderella moment,” said D’Adamo.
“To have the dress of their dreams at a more affordable cost.”
Any Lester B. Pearson School Board student can rent a dress for prom, and several dozen have already made appointments.
“I think prom is a closure to high school. It’s an important moment they treasure forever with their friends,” said D’Adamo.
Anyone wishing to donate dresses can reach Josie D’Adamo by emailing her at jdadamo02@lbpsb.qc.ca