She's got more than 700 dresses and only 20 graduates who need them, so Dress Dreams wish granter Mandy Paavola is putting the call out for more graduating girls to come forward to get what they need.
In its fifth year, Dress Dreams matches students who wouldn't ordinarily be able to afford a gown with the perfect dress for their graduation ceremony.
"It seems like every year there is shock and awe that this program exists," said Paavola, who goes into the high schools each year to introduce herself and offer the program's services.
"I think there should be at least 50 girls that I help every year and we get around 20," said Paavola. "While it's still wonderful and impactful I think there has to be more out there in need."
If anyone is in Grade 12 and they are graduating from any local program, whether it's an alternative program, outreach program or traditional high school and a dress is needed, Dress Dreams wants to hear from those students.
"There is no cost, there is no strings attached and the only catch is they do have to be graduating and can't financially afford a dress," said Paavola, who used to volunteer as a makeup artist for the Cinderella Project in Vancouver before she moved to Prince George and started her own version here.
"We would love to help. We provide dresses, shoes, accessories and lots of personal care items as well and I'm working to get some gift certificates from local salons and spas so the girls can make an appointment and use the certificates on their grad or prom day and go and get their hair or makeup done."
But mostly it's about the dress, said Paavola.
"Because I have 700 of them and I would love to give some away," she added.
"We've already had 20 girls nominated but I would love to see more. Deadline for nominations is March 11."
Anyone can nominate a person and if a student wants to nominate themselves, Paavola would just need contact information and will confirm with the school they are graduating and that's all that's needed. To nominate a graduating student email [email protected].
Students will be choosing a gown at Dress Dreams during the first week of April.
When the dress is received, the student can keep the dress as long as they wish, or pass it along to someone else in need.
"We do ask that they sign a Karma Contract, which basically says they won't sell the dress but you know, karma's on them and this is what it's all about - it's about doing good," said Paavola.
"We consider ourselves PG's most glamourous recycling program."
Donating dresses to the program is the other side of the giving process.
"People who give us the dresses say they get a warm fuzzy feeling in their heart - and more closet space," laughed Paavola, who has students coming from Fraser Lake and Mackenzie to get dresses.
"It feels so good. It kinda makes my heart sing."
