No Kid Should Miss Prom’: Peel Region Program Offers Free Gowns and Suits for Graduates
For many students, prom night is a dream celebration—but for those facing financial hardships, affording a formal outfit can turn that dream into a stress-filled burden.
That’s where Making Prom Happen steps in. Now in its third year, this Peel Region-based initiative provides free prom and graduation attire to students in need, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent them from attending one of the biggest milestones of their school years.
“No kid should be left out,” says Donna Boucher, founder of the initiative. “We want to make sure that every student who wants to attend prom can do so—without worrying about the cost of clothing.”
Last year, Adriana Ruby-Sanguigni, a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Brampton, wasn’t sure she could afford a dress for her prom.
“In our family, there’s always financial stress around graduation and prom, especially with outfits and accessories,” the 18-year-old college student shared.
Attending Making Prom Happen changed everything.
“The event took away all my financial stress. Walking in, you don’t feel like someone who has less—you feel like you have more, because there are kind people all around you,” she said.
Thanks to the event, she found a dress she loved, in her size, without having to compromise on how she wanted to look.
The idea for Making Prom Happen started when Boucher was cleaning out her closet three years ago. Finding three dresses she no longer needed, she searched for donation options—but found none.
Encouraged by a friend to start her own initiative, she posted on LinkedIn and other platforms, asking for donations. Within just six weeks, she had collected over 300 dresses and 30 volunteers.
The Streetsville Children’s Centre stepped in to offer a space for the event, and Making Prom Happen was born.
Held annually, students register in advance and choose a time slot to browse through donated clothing, just as they would in a store. They can try on different outfits before making a final selection.
For girls: Dresses, shoes, bags, jewelry, and makeup.
For boys: Suits, pocket squares, shoes, socks, and ties or bow ties.
“We set it up as a real shopping experience to make sure everything is done with dignity,” Boucher emphasized.
The response has been overwhelming:
Year 1 (2022) – 70 students attended.
Year 2 (2023) – 260 students participated, requiring a larger venue at Bramalea Secondary School.
Year 3 (2024) – A record turnout is expected this year at Turner Fenton Secondary School on April 10.
While the program has helped hundreds, there’s still a pressing need for more donations—particularly plus-size dresses (size 16 and above) and formal suits in a variety of sizes.
“Some students walk away empty-handed because we don’t have the right sizes,” Boucher admitted.
Additionally, the organization receives many casual or business-style dresses, which aren’t suitable for prom. They’re asking donors to contribute gowns and formal suits instead.
Those interested in donating can check out the initiative’s Amazon wish list or visit the Making Prom Happen website for more details.
Currently, the event is held once a year in a single location, but Boucher hopes to expand to multiple locations across Peel Region to increase accessibility for students who can’t travel far.
Social worker Katy Pattullo, who volunteers with the program, says initiatives like this are essential:
“Many families struggle just to cover daily expenses like housing, groceries, and utility bills. Prom can be an added financial stress.”
For students like Ruby-Sanguigni, the impact of Making Prom Happen goes far beyond just receiving a dress.
“Seeing my friends also find outfits and knowing we’ve come so far despite our struggles—it was beautiful,” she said. “Thank you for making me feel that no matter what I’ve been through, I can still enjoy special moments just like everyone else.”