Prom closet volunteer Theresa Ratzlaff offers a taste of more than 500 dresses offered last year through Prom Closet Nanaimo. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

a great grad

Prom Closet giving local graduates affordable options for glitzy grad garments

Feb 28, 2023 | 5:36 AM

NANAIMO — It’s almost grad season, however it also represents a time of stress for some families.

In a bid to make prom as accessible as possible, a local group named Prom Closet Nanaimo is once again providing grad dresses and suits free of charge for anyone who might need some help.

In its ninth year, coordinator Joan Hiemstra said this program is open to any graduating student.

“(We) offer formal wear for graduating students, the girls and the guys, from any high school, not only Nanaimo. If any student wants to come we’ll be happy to work with them. The dresses, gowns, and suits have been donated so we’re happy to donate them to the students as well.”

All grads have to do is fill out a quick form and then make an appointment for a fitting. Prom Closet Nanaimo not only serves students in the Harbour City, but across Vancouver Island as well.

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While the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the program, Hiemstra said last year they handed out about 50 outfits, while they are already on track for more this year, with over 500 options already in stock.

Having to pay for a suit or amazing dress is a huge barrier of entry for some families and often sees students not get to experience special elements of their high school graduation.

In the past, organizers have said some families will burst into tears with parents seeing their child in a beautiful dress or suit.

Hiemstra said early appointments are best for those looking to take part.

“Last minute makes it awkward and stressful for everybody including the student, but they need to send us an email and then we can send the form out to them. Once we receive the form we make an appointment and they come on down, they bring someone who will help them make a good decision.”

Donations of grad dresses or suits can be made at several locations around Nanaimo, including John Barsby School, Ladysmith Secondary, the Brides Closet on Selby St., Material Things in north Nanaimo, and Nanaimo Youth Services Association.

Hiemstra said they’ll accept donations of all kinds of grad outfits, including outfits for grad escorts as well. While the clothing for grads is free, outfits for grad escorts are also available for a small donation.

Prom Closet Nanaimo used to also get donations from various grad committees, but the revenue stream has dried up since the pandemic began.

Hiemstra is hoping they can once again be included in those fundraising efforts in order to continue offering their services.

“We are helping girls from every high school in Nanaimo. We have helped students, not necessarily this year yet, but in other years, private, public, every high school. And we’re reaching outside of Nanaimo a fair bit too.”

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

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

Walk-in sessions are not available.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow