Prom closet volunteer Theresa Ratzlaff offers a taste of more than 500 dresses offered through Prom Closet Nanaimo  (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

making a difference

‘We often see the mom in tears:’ Prom Closet returns to ease graduating stress

Feb 28, 2022 | 4:59 PM

NANAIMO — A group of dedicated volunteers armed with a large selection of formal wear are devoted to reducing anxiety about the perfect prom.

Prom Closet Nanaimo returns for its eighth year, offering over 500 gowns and a smaller collection of suits.

Coordinator Joan Hiemstra said their nine volunteers constantly hear about the positive impacts Prom Closet Nanaimo has.

“The mother is the one whose been worrying and stressing. When she sees her daughter all grown up in a beautiful dress that they can take home with them at no cost we often see the mom in tears,” Hiemstra said.

Prom Closet Nanaimo is open to any graduating high school student, or a guest slated to attend a graduation event.

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Discreet appointments are being arranged between March 1 and March 9, where people can get set up with the formal wear of their choice with minor alterations done free of charge.

Appointments can be booked by emailing: promcloset.nanaimo@gmail.com, or by messaging the organization’s Facebook page.

In recent years Hiemstra said a growing number of students turned to Prom Closet Nanaimo for environmental reasons.

“These garments are some of the biggest polluters as far as industry goes, they last great for at least three proms.”

Program recipients can keep their dresses/suits, or donate them back to the non-profit group.

Non-graduating prom-attendees can accept a short gown through Prom Closet Nanaimo for a suggested minimum donation of $20.

Hiemstra expected about 75 gowns and suits to handed out this year after just 25 went out the door during the previous prom season hampered by the pandemic.

Prom Closet Nanaimo isn’t just for Harbour City based senior secondary students; Hiemstra noted students as far away as Sooke and Powell River are taking advantage of the service this year.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes