Year 12 formals can produce as much anticipation and stress for school leavers as the exams and final days, but here in Toowoomba a group of volunteers with angel wings is taking away the stress for those young men and women who might otherwise miss out.
The financial cost to dress from head to toe in formal outfits can often be a deal-breaker for many families. For whatever reason, some young people just quietly avoid the event altogether and miss the milestone, fun and memories a school formal brings.
Founded by Gay Hold-Carpenter and a group of cheery volunteers, Project School Formal takes the angst away from families who need a little help. This year, the generosity of many businesses and community support organisations from across South East Queensland has made it possible to set up, once again, a confidential service in Grand Central Shopping Centre‘s Level 1 across from the St George Bank site at the Margaret Street entrance. A flurry of ‘setting up’ activity over a short two weeks has seen the empty space convert into a magnificent boutique overflowing with high quality clothing and accessories.
Inside this discrete store young people who have pre-booked an appointment via the Project School Formal website, meet with volunteers who are ready to supply, at no cost, an amazing outfit that puts a glow on the faces of everyone involved. Ensuring complete confidentiality, this service does not operate as a ‘walk-in’. Appointments are made online and all volunteers are trained in the ‘fairy godmother arts’ of putting the students completely at ease when they arrive for their appointments.
Week 1 at the store has seen the well-oiled appointment process switch into gear. The racks of new and near-new formal gowns and suits are colour-coded and displayed according to sizes for ease of selection. If the necessary size is not there, the volunteers quickly source suitable gear from the willing band of businesses and support groups who love to help out. Heartfelt thanks go to all the volunteers working hard behind the scenes as well from admin to muscles when needed.
Accessories, handbags, jewellery, socks, ties and shoes are all available. Already, the volunteers know what will be needed to replenish supplies or source culturally appropriate wear, and the calls have gone out to connect with community groups who can assist. As in previous years, the response has been overwhelming and Week 1 has started in style.
Thank you so much to Gay’s Angels. If you can help keep those angel wings flying high, please check out the website and get on board – https://www.projectsf.org.au
