Yorkdale Shopping Centre Partners with FACE to Glam Up Toronto Teens in Need
for Prom

Donate a gently worn dress at Yorkdale for the chance to win one of three $500 gift certificates

TORONTO, March 29 /CNW/ - Prom is a turning point in many teens' lives - a time to get dressed up and let loose with friends before graduating high school. But for many teens, the financial stress of buying a new dress means they are forced to miss out prom. This year, Yorkdale Shopping Centre is partnering with the Family Abuse Crisis Exchange (FACE) to provide new or gently worn formal gowns to teens in need to ensure they have a dress to wear to their prom.

From now until April 26, shoppers can donate gently worn formal gowns at Yorkdale's customer service desk at the south entrance. Every time a gently worn gown is brought to Yorkdale customer service, donors will receive a ballot entry for the chance to win one of three $500 Yorkdale Shopping Centre gift certificates.

"Every teenage girl should have the opportunity to look her best at prom. By donating a gently used dress, Yorkdale shoppers can give a girl the chance to attend prom, look great and feel her best," says Robin Keeler, Yorkdale Shopping Centre's Fashion Director. "Yorkdale is all about prom and by partnering with FACE, we can help ensure that a number of girls get a chance to celebrate this milestone event."

FACE - located in Yorkdale - identified seven schools in the Downsview area to benefit from this partnership. School guidance counselors at the schools will select girls to participate based on financial need. Approximately 70 girls will attend one of seven special evenings at FACE to choose a dress with help from Yorkdale's Dream Team of fashion consultants. A number of Yorkdale retailers - including Mendocino, Fairweather, Le Château and Laura - have donated several brand new gowns to ensure that every girl has a selection to choose from.

"At FACE, we believe that if you look your best, you feel your best," said Donna Hall, Managing Director of FACE. "Prom is a big event in the lives of teens and we want to make sure that the girls involved in this program feel special, important and beautiful. Our goal is to remove the financial burden of purchasing a prom dress so that they have a positive experience and a great night to remember."

About Yorkdale

With more than 240 shops and services including Holt Renfrew, BCBG, Zara and Mendocino, Yorkdale Shopping Centre is the ultimate destination for all things prom and has everything prom-goers need to make their special night perfect. Prom goers looking to find that perfect dress can visit Yorkdale.com/promology to find styles and trends that best suit their body type - whether they're athletic, round, triangular, petite or a size 14 and up.

Yorkdale is located at Highway 401 and Dufferin Street in Toronto. For further information, visit www.yorkdale.com.

About FACE

Founded in 1992 FACE(R) is a Registered Charitable Organization providing a "hand up" to low income women in their quest to attain a brighter future by becoming employed and financially self sufficient. Their core service gives women free excellent quality business attire for their upcoming job interviews. For further information, visit www.face1.org.

For further information: Alana Lipton, [email protected], [phone] x222