Mandy Paavola has a closet most girls could only dream of, packed with dozens of prom dresses of all shapes and sizes.
All the dresses will all be donated to some very deserving graduates.
Prince George Dress Dreams was inspired from a similar project in Vancouver called the Cinderella Project that Paavola volunteered with for five years.
When she told her friend Elizabeth Laprairie, she wanted to organize something similar in Prince George and they both jumped at the idea.
A mother of two and a professional makeup artist by trade, Paavola said she has never forgotten her volunteer experience and one girl in particular stands out.
"This girl, who had been burned in a fire came in, she had burns on her face and neck but the skin was smooth. I told her that I could cover the scars with makeup and when she saw the results she started to cry - and so did I," said Paavola.
This is the project's first year and the organizers have a goal of being able to donate at least five dresses to deserving grads.
"I want to find girls who really deserve to have the dress of their dreams. Someone that has overcome obstacles or hardships and are still going to graduate on time," said Paavola.
Teachers, councillors, high school teachers or any member of the community can nominate someone graduating this year, as long as they aren't related to the nominee.
The project is aimed at students who have gone through hardships and who can't afford to buy a new dress and the accessories.
"To be able to dress someone up for their graduation just lifts my heart and feels so good," said Paavola.
Eventually the pair would like to be able to give as many girls as possible and they would even like to be able to help the male graduates as well.
"We are starting small but hopefully the project just grows and grows," said Paavola.
For nominate a student or to donate dresses or accessories, e-mail pgdressdreams@yahoo.ca.
