Thanks to countless volunteers, Fort McMurray high school students were able to shop for their dream grad dress at the Leduc Recreation Centre on Sunday – for free.
According to officials, over 4,000 dresses were donated so those who fled the devastating wildfire could experience a special graduation.
For many young shoppers, donated dresses have replaced attire left behind.
Event organizer Angela Pauls said people from across Canada answered the call for help.
“It’s so overwhelming,” she said.
“[People from] as far as Inuvik, Northwest Territories, and then Truro, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and Chiliwack, BC. So literally, coast to coast.”
For many graduates it’s not just a gown, it’s a new beginning.
“These dresses probably meant a lot to people and they’re willing to donate them to people that need them more,” said shopper Sierra Reaburn.
“We wanted it for her. We wanted her to have a positive experience out of this,” Sierra’s mother Kerri told CTV News.
According to organizers, left over dresses will be taken to Fort McMurray this fall for students graduating next year.
With files from Breanna Karstens-Smith
