The Cinderellas and Fellas spring event at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Acton, Ont., helps community members get free prom and formal attire.
THE CHURCH
Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Acton, Ont.
THE CHALLENGE
Supporting families and young professionals during prom season and job interview preparation
THE IDEA
An annual spring event held to allow community members to get free prom and business attire at the church
THE COST
Cost of heavy-duty clothing racks, a good clothing steamer and storage space
Community life coordinator Shannon Furzer explains:
This outreach event started in 2014 as Yes to the Dress. At the time our youth pastor’s wife Laura Nunn had the inspiration. We provide lightly used dresses, shoes and accessories to women in our community. In 2024 we expanded to include men’s clothing, prompting a name change to Cinderellas and Fellas.
We live in a generous community. People are always willing to clean their closets of formalwear because most of these outfits are worn only once. We start collecting clothing in January. Our volunteer team of 15 women and five men go through every donated piece, making sure they’re in good condition.
On the day of our outreach, we transform the basement of our church into a boutique. It takes place from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. the Friday after March Break, to catch students well before prom and grad season. This year we had 75 people in line waiting to get in.
All our classrooms transform into changerooms with full-length mirrors and we leave nice messages on them like, “You look beautiful.” We teach young men how to tie a tie if they want to learn. We’ve even helped young people in need of a suit for a job interview.
PHOTO: BETHEL CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
For a church thinking of doing something similar, I’d say any way you can interact and be the hands and feet of Jesus within your community is a good thing. If you can take that risk, do it. It starts small. Remember, it’s not just about the prom attendees and interview hopefuls, but those who serve. We just want to be a blessing to the community.
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