Local companies pitch in to give students all-expenses-paid graduation looks
A group of local businesses is giving back by helping make graduation an extra-memorable time for a few special students.
From hair and makeup to custom gowns and suits, four high school students will enjoy an all- expenses-paid graduation experience thanks to a September social media post.
Local designer Jessica Halabi posted to Instagram last fall offering to help a student graduate in style with a free custom gown.
"It is the first huge milestone in the early adulthood life, maybe some people don't think that it's a big deal but it is always really memorable for people who get to experience it and I just want to make a good memory for kids," Halabi said.
The post quickly took off and soon other businesses were offering to chip in to help round out the grad experience, offering accessories, limo rides and beauty services.
"It was amazing, all these local companies, businesses, they wanted to join me and they offered so many other amazing things and it ballooned into four graduates," Halibi said.
Alliah Oldpan was nominated for a gown by her teacher and recently had her first fitting. She said it's everything she'd hoped for and she feels beautiful wearing it.
"[It]feels amazing. I never thought I would get this so I'm very thankful," she added. "It honestly was a relief because I didn't have to worry about the finances."
Oldpan's dress would normally cost between $800 and $1,200. It's around the same price as a custom suit donated by Jacky Phung, owner of Suits by Jacky.
Phung worked with Chad, a graduate from the Alberta School for the Deaf, to create a special look.
"This cause makes a lot of sense to me," Phung said. "We came from humble beginnings and just giving back means a lot to our mission and our purpose to help people out."
To top off his look, Chad spent some time with barber Willie King at the Alberta Barber Academy.
King remembers growing up not having a lot of money, so he was excited to give someone the opportunity to have a style they might not otherwise be able to afford.
"I want to give him something that is a little bit different than he's used to," King said. "I want to give him something to go out with a bang."
Halabi said it's been an emotional process and she's touched to see so many other people willing to help with the project.
"Too many to list," she said. "It's been amazing how many people have supported us, all the community pulling through.
"And the most important thing is the effect it's had on all four students and their lives and how it's helped them take a weight off their shoulders for graduation."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.