Cinderella Project making sure all students graduate in style

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on March 31, 2023.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Jade Warf with My City Care holds up a dress for Beth Regier during the Cinderella Project open house event Wednesday night at the Bowman Centre.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

My City Care has kicked off its seventh annual Cinderella Project and Tux Shop to help financially struggling high school students with their graduation gowns and suits so they can have an unforgettable experience.

My City Care executive director, Jennifer Tribble said other communities like Taber, Claresholm and Medicine Hat have also started their own Cinderella Projects.

“The program basically is set up like a boutique shop experience for students that are struggling financially so that they can come in and find the resources they need to celebrate their milestone achievement,” said Tribble.

The shop is set up inside the Bowman building and those requiring a helping hand can find a variety of dresses and tuxedos, shoes and accessories.

Tribble said they mostly deal with students graduating from high school, but they have also had the opportunity to help some graduating from post-secondary institutions.

 “We have had other cultures come in that have other types of celebrations that we’ve been able to accommodate for as well. It is pretty rare and our priority is definitely for the graduating high school students, but we’re definitely willing to step in and meet needs.”

 She said items like wedding dresses are sometimes donated, so they are able to help out in other unique and creative ways.

 The project started after she and her husband, who together have been working with youth in the community for the last 12 years, saw a need.

 “We definitely saw a need for it with students that we had encountered through other types of community programs that we do, and we were a part of a program similarly in B.C. while we lived there. So we knew that this would be a good fit so we can help meet the need that was here so we decided we’d bring it to Lethbridge,” said Tribble.

She said everything in the shop has been donated by the community and has accumulated for the last seven years, which helps with being able to offer variety for those in need.

“There’s lots of dresses to choose from, the selection is great, but it’s amazing how fast the selection actually feels small when you start to have specifics like what’s your favourite colour and if you’re looking for a red dress, or a puffy dress versus something that’s a different style,” said Tribble.

She said last year they had 49 students utilize the program, including students taking advantage of the tux shop as well.

“We like to give them a selection and make sure the students have a good experience. They get to come in and have fun and try on different styles, so it’s a good experience for everybody.”

She said students get a personalized experience by booking a time that works best for them and their family to stop by and with the help of a volunteer, they get to navigate the space and hopefully find what they are looking for.

“If there are things missing, if we don’t have a certain shoe size or something like that, then we’ll help them be able to meet that need. If we have to go out and help them find a pair of shoes, then we’re willing to do that,” said Tribble.

She said it is all about being able to help students have a wonderful experience. And helping parents not have to worry about having to decide between putting food on the table or buying grad attire.

 “Not only do they get a dress or tux, but we also help set them up with hair, makeup, and photography sessions. We get donated services sometimes that the students can also take advantage of, so we help kind of navigate those needs with each student,” said Tribble.

To book an appointment or to get more information about the Cinderella project email my city care at jade@mycitycare.ca

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