The Dayspring Fellowship Church in Ste. Anne, Manitoba, is hosting a community-led initiative this March to provide free second-hand prom dresses and suits for local high school students. Known as the Grad Attire Closet Shop, the program aims to ensure every member of the 2026 graduating class can attend their year-end celebrations with confidence, regardless of financial barriers.
Co-organized by residents Natalie Hébert and Rhonda Funk, the initiative is now in its second year. The church, located at 20 Finnigan Road, is serving as a host venue for the shop’s March pop-up events, where students can browse donated formal wear and accessories at no cost. Previous shopping events for the current season were also held at École Ste. Anne Immersion.
The program relies on community donations of gently used gowns, suits, jewelry, and shoes. Items have been collected through local outreach and social media, with supporters even dropping off formal wear in bins or arranging meetups across the community. Any attire remaining after the local graduation season will be donated to help students in northern communities.
Lead Pastor Earl Toews and the church are supporting the project by providing the facility free of charge, helping to reduce the significant financial pressure on local families during the milestone season. Families looking to donate attire or students seeking to find an outfit for their 2026 graduation can connect with the organizers as the shopping season continues.
