Celebrating the end of a significant school chapter is something that all students should be able to do, but affording to attend formals is not always possible.
But community initiative Formally Yours in the Upper Hunter aims to help alleviate the financial stress by collecting donated formalwear to pass on to students in years 6, 10 and 12.
“Three years ago, Corallee (Kent) put a Facebook post up, she had a dress she wanted to donate to a year 12 student, and I had some year 12 students that needed a dress, so we caught up for a coffee and then after some discussion Formally Yours was born,” Sarah Doyle, one of the coordinators and a Muswellbrook High School teacher, said.
That first year they were blown away by how many donations they received, everything a student would need from dresses and suits to shoes and accessories, and the support has continued.
A lot of the donations are new, or only worn once, and there are a range of sizes from 6 to 20+ in a variety of styles.
“Over the years we’ve had so many stories, a lot of the people coming to us don’t plan on going to their formal, either they can’t afford it or they don’t feel like they can find a dress that makes them feel good enough,” Sarah shared.
“They walk out of the door with a dress or with a suit and they’re going to get their ticket and they’re going.”
This year they have found a new home, shop 7 in the Brook Street Plaza thanks to support from Warrior Disability Service and Muswellbrook Shire Council.
The pop-up shop will provide a full shopping experience, with change rooms and accessories but without the price tags. Local business The Art of Makeup has also donated a formal makeup session as a lucky door prize.
Formally Yours in the Upper Hunter will be open from August 5 to 18, from 4pm to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends, with appointments available outside of those times if needed.
Donations can be made during these times as well, with the coordinators already identifying they are low on stock of boys year 6 farewell attire.
