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Making grad dreams reality

Many at-risk youth have no plans to attend graduation because they can't afford to buy a suit or dress – something a B.C. charity is looking to change.

The Cinderella Project's Boutique Day offers all sorts of formal clothing from gowns and suits to shoes and accessories for nearly 200 at-risk youth heading to that big day at the end of the school year.

“I have always wanted to feel special for a day,” 19-year-old Demi Gray-Wise told CTV Vancouver. “I have pictures of the dresses I want to try.”

A mother of two-year-old twins and an aspiring psychiatric nurse, Gray-Wise says the event is a much-needed break.

"I go to school every day, and I feel like this is my reward,” she said. “I’ve never been treated like this, I’ve never had an experience like this. … I’ve been really looking forward to this day.”

A godmother or godfather is matched with each student taking part, all of whom have faced challenges in their lives, to provide mentorship.

Gabriel Ratcliff, 17, is a Burnaby South student who has faced his own difficulties during his pursuits in both academics and soccer.

"As hard and as dark as it got, I thought about my dream, I thought about my goals, and I thought about people I care about,” he said.

“I've never owned a suit before actually, and just to hear I’d have an opportunity to own one and to have one is exciting.”

Cinderella Project founder Heather MacKenzie says while the event is centred on providing grad dresses and suits, the "magic" comes from the mentors.

"Many [of these students] will be the first in their family to have ever graduated from high school,” MacKenzie said. “The time these youth are spending with adult mentors is what the magic is all about.”

– with files from CTV Vancouver



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