Local designer sees outpouring of support after offering free grad dress to student in need
Local businesses are joining forces to help two students have the graduation experience of their dreams.
Jessica Halabi is a local designer, and she remembers how hard it was to be a Grade 12 student getting ready to graduate. With money tight at home, a prom dress was at the bottom of the list of needs. Now that she has her own custom gown company, she wants to use her skills to help someone in the same situation.
"I know it's not a unique experience to feel struggles in the home," said Halabi. "Especially around additional things like graduation."
"Grad can be a luxury for a lot of students."
Halabi posted her story to Instagram on Tuesday, along with an offer to make a free custom grad dress for a student unable to buy their own. When other local businesses heard about the offer, they started reaching out to see how they could help.
Vanity Box, a beauty salon, is donating makeup and nail services, said Halabi, and other individuals have also offered to buy shoes and accessories.
She said she didn't realize the post would reach as many people, but she wasn't really surprised to see the reaction.
"There are just so many generous people in this city," she said. "The community has stepped up and everybody wants to be involved and it's amazing."
"It's just very overwhelming and very emotional and beautiful."
There was one offer that took her by surprise though.
Manar Rahall, founder of the Alberta Barber Academy, has offered to pay for a second custom gown so that another student can have the same opportunity. She said she saw the Instagram post and thought what Halabi was doing was incredible, and she wanted to help.
"I thought it was awesome seeing a small business interact with their community the way they did," Rahall said. "It hit home close to me and it was really awesome and we wanted to be a part of that."
"I hope they get an experience they won't forget."
Halabi said a custom grad dress typically costs between $800 and $1,200, and she will work with both chosen girls to create gowns that suit their individual styles. In addition to the extra gown, The Alberta Barber Academy is paying for hair services from Shadified salon – and limo rides for both students.
"That was actually shocking," Halabi said. "That's a real extra and that's so elegant and luxurious."
Everything should go to students who will benefit the most, said Halabi, and who wouldn't be able to buy these things themselves. Nominations can be sent to her on Instagram or by email at jhfgradgown@outlook.com, and her only conditions are that nominated students should be in school and trying their best.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.