ABOUT 300 dresses, 50 suits and 200 pairs of shoes have been collected by a domestic abuse survivor who was inspired to make prom more affordable after hearing of a fellow victim’s plight.
Nicky Oates volunteers with domestic abuse charity Pathways and vowed to make a difference after being moved by the story of a fellow victim who was too afraid to tell her twin daughters that she could not afford their prom dresses.
Nicky, of Towngate, Silkstone, launched a huge campaign on Facebook asking people to donate unwanted prom dresses, suits, shoes, jewellery and tiaras. Youngsters will be able to pick an outfit, pay a small amount and donate the items back afterwards.
Nicky said the response has been phenomenal.
She said: “I’m shellshocked by the response. It’s gone from an innocent Facebook post to a huge community event. It’s evolved so quickly and that’s because of the generosity of people. I’m so passionate about it, but it’s not just my event, it’s a community event. The Facebook page, which is updated daily, has reached 8,500 people. Donations have come from all over the country and we have had a message from a woman whose sister was murdered due to domestic violence thanking us for raising awareness about domestic abuse and supporting a domestic abuse charity as well as getting our teens to their proms.”
Nicky has organised an event at Outwood Academy Shafton on April 25 between 6pm and 8pm where students can select a prom outfit. It will be a red carpet event and students will be greeted with non-alcoholic cocktails and homemade chocolates. The school atrium will be dressed for the event, which will be opened with a catwalk show.
The idea is acting as a fundraiser for Pathways, which has existed for 25 years but is in danger of closing because of a lack of funding. The money people pay to hire the outfits will be donated to Pathways.
Nicky has already helped a youngster from Grimsby - where many donations have come from - who lived in a hostel and could not attend her prom because she couldn’t afford an outfit. Within an hour or so, Nicky and her team had managed to find the girl a dress, shoes and a bag.
Nicky said: “We are very busy bringing everything to a close now before the event takes place, we have enjoyed every second.
“We have lots of dresses and suits but we don’t have enough referrals. If anyone wants to refer someone or refer themselves, please get in touch via our Facebook page or by e-mail.”
There are several raffle prizes on offer, including a limo ride to the prom, two outfits and make up donated by Apollonia Llewelyn, England Teen Model, who will be at the event, and a dress fitting and dress donated by Pookie Womenswear at Pot House Hamlet. Barnsley College students will be providing hair and beauty treatments.
A cash donation from Penistone Ladies’ Circle will pay for dry cleaning of the outfits after the school proms.
Search Once Upon A Prom on Facebook or e-mail onceuponaprom@hotmail.com
