Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: The Corsage Project makes prom possible for hundreds of deserving high school students

Participants celebrated and treated to a shopping extravaganza at 15^th annual Boutique Ball in partnership with the Children's Aid Foundation

TORONTO, April 14, 2015 /CNW/ - When it comes to prom, it's all about the outfit. From the dress or suit, to the shoes and accessories, the average cost of attending prom is more than $500, according to a new prom spending survey from Visa Canada.  For many graduating students in Toronto, juggling school, part time jobs and other commitments, the cost is simply too high, leaving hundreds unable to attend their prom each year.

Working in partnership with the Children's Aid Foundation, The Corsage Project helps these young people break through barriers by providing free formal attire and accessories to ensure they have the opportunity to celebrate with their peers.  This year marks the 15^th anniversary of the organization, which has helped nearly 4,000 deserving students since 2000.  

On Sunday, April 19, the Corsage Project will hold its annual Boutique Ball, where hundreds of young women, identified through confidential referrals, will be outfitted for prom free of charge. During this special day, participants are escorted by their very own volunteer personal shopper through racks of dresses, hundreds of shoes and tables of sparkling jewellery. Participants even receive a mini-makeover by local make-up artists and leave with a generous goody bag provided by sponsors. It's an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.  Young men are also outfitted with suits at a separate offsite shopping event courtesy of the Corsage Project's generous sponsors.

Who:

• Kristy Graves, past Boutique Ball participant and a former youth in care
• Select Boutique Ball participants who have agreed to share their story with media
• Corsage Project spokesperson
• Valerie McMurtry, President & CEO, Children's Aid Foundation
• Corsage Project volunteers, including personal shoppers and make-up artists

Where:

• Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
• Bram & Bluma Appel Salon (second floor)

When:

• Sunday, April 19
• 10 a.m.

What:

• A team of more than 200 volunteers create a shopping bazaar with hundreds of new dresses, shoes, purses, pashminas and jewellery for 300 young women from local high schools.
• Formal attire and accessories that have been donated by retailers and the local fashion community
• Interviews with select Corsage Girls
• Interviews with Corsage Project spokespeople and volunteers
• Interview with Children's Aid Foundation spokespeople
• Note: To respect the privacy of many of our participants, please photograph, film and interview only those girls who have agreed to speak with the media. Volunteers will be on hand to ensure these young women are easily identifiable and available for interviews.

About The Corsage Project

Working in partnership with the Children's Aid Foundation, The Corsage Project is a non-profit program in Toronto dedicated to giving the authentic prom experience to young women and men who would not otherwise have the opportunity to celebrate with their peers due to the high cost of formal wear. Our scholarship program through the Children's Aid Foundation also helps local high school graduates achieve their post-secondary goals.  For more information visit corsageproject.ca, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @corsageproject and join us on Facebook.

SOURCE Children's Aid Foundation

Heather Lochner, 647-269-7180, [email protected]