Grads Dressing Up With Help From The Salvation Army

Elementary and high school graduates in Ajax are guaranteed to look their finest with The Salvation Army Hope Community Church Ajax Graduation Assistance Program.

Hope Church is partnering with the Laura store in Pickering Town Centre to outfit students in brand new dresses, accessories and shoes. Students looking for suits, ties and shoes will be provided with outfits from a men’s clothing store.

James Dark, Community and Family Services Coordinator with Hope Church Ajax, says the program is in its fifth year, to ensure all Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduates are able to purchase the latest formal fashions for graduation ceremonies.

Students are given up to $350 each to put together an outfit they get to keep. Thirty students are normally outfitted though the program each year, but in 2023 the need has increased and as many as 45 students could get dressed by The Salvation Army this graduation season.

As a former educator working in schools with a lower income student population, James noticed that some students were not able to afford clothing for end of the year ceremonies.

“I would often see at least three or four students and their families at grade 8 graduations, who would not show up because they didn’t have the proper clothes to wear,” James recalls. “They felt out of place, and didn’t want to go through that embarrassment, which hurt me every time.”

When James started at The Salvation Army Hope Church in Ajax, he immediately started the Graduation Assistance Program.

“I don’t think any child should miss out on big life moments including graduation. I think it’s so important for them to be able to be there, look great, and feel special on that night,” James says.

Students looking to request a graduation outfit from The Salvation Army Hope Church Ajax can call 905-427-7123. Donations to the Graduation Assistance Program can be made at www.salvationarmy.ca by selecting the Ajax location.