Bringing joy to the faces of school graduates has been the goal of Project School Formal for the past ten years. Initially the dream of Gay Hold-Carpenter and Paula Lucas, this annual project has had a remarkable impact on hundreds of young people. These two visionary women have ensured every young person graduating from secondary school has had an outfit which has made them feel very special at their milestone event.
Inspired by their interactions with young people in their hairdressing salon, they founded Project School Formal in 2014 by inviting the community to donate high quality formal wear and accessories to those whose financial situation was limiting attendance at their school formal. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and local businesses, their vision has been met.
No student has been overlooked if their personal circumstances have not allowed them to dream of the magic feeling of a formal outfit. From top to toe students are assisted with hair and makeup, outfits, shoes, socks, and handbags to complete their special look.
Without an army of volunteers who step up each year, the behind-the-scenes organisation just doesn’t happen. In 2023 over fifty volunteers became fairy godmothers helping 132 students achieve their dreams. From the annual provision of a ‘pop up space’ in Grand Central Shopping Centre to the many hands who set up the space or store the goods or transport the goods; to the hours given by the volunteers in helping the young people find and fit their outfits; to schools sharing the information, and especially to the donors, there is an organising team that brings it all together. While there have been many wonderful teams over these ten years, in this 2024 anniversary year, the face of Project Manager Leanne will be the first port of call. Gay takes on the role of Ambassador.
Base Services has been an ongoing willing partner in the venture, providing a ‘drop off location” for donations at 9 Thomas Street. In 2024, the expanded project has seen other business locations across Toowoomba offer their space for donations as well.
In this tenth anniversary year, the project continues its expanded reach to embrace not only school graduates, but also those from other educational institution organisations, and when the call comes in from regional centres across the South West, Project School Formal answers the call without hesitation.
This year the project runs from Thursday 29th August through to 31st October.
Make an individual appointment here.
Donation locations are linked here.
Register to become a volunteer here.