Each year, thousands of high school students in Toronto prepare for graduation. Besides the stress of making some pretty serious choices about the future, many students will be burdened with the stress associated with their prom.
A celebration of finishing high school can easily become a burden with factors like the high cost of tickets, transportation and formalwear.
The Corsage Project founders Carole Atkins and Rhona Sallay set out to ensure no student was denied the opportunity to celebrate the achievement of high school graduation because of cost. Working with at-risk and special-needs youth throughout their careers in Toronto high schools, Carole and Rhona saw firsthand the evolution of prom to a costly event.
Partnering with The Children’s Aid Society in 2000, The Corsage Project was established to help young women attend their prom by providing them with a new dress, accessories and a mini-makeover – all free of charge. In 2010, the program expanded to provide formal wear to young men.
Each year, the Corsage Project hosts the Boutique Ball – an incredible event that brings together women of all ages to celebrate the achievements and help each other shop. On this special day, an event space is transformed into a giant shopping bazaar with hundreds of new dresses, shoes, purses, pashminas and jewellery.
We have volunteered for The Corsage Project twice and encourage those who are interest in getting involved to contact them using their website.
We saw how the generous support from their sponsors is the only way to keep this amazing event going. From monetary support, beauty supplies, shoes, dresses and more, the sponsors continue to help deliver a lasting experience. If you’re interested in offering sponsorship support, please find more information here.
