Valley Heights hosts students at Preloved Prom Project fitting event

By Madison Brazeau

Valley Heights Reporter

With the prom and graduation season quickly approaching, the cost of finding the perfect outfit can seem overwhelming. From shoes and accessories to, of course, the perfect outfit, this season can come with quite a cost to some families. It is for this reason the Preloved Prom Project was born.

The Preloved Prom Project is a local organization that collects donated attire as well as hosts events so that teens can choose a free outfit, empowering them to enjoy prom or graduation regardless of their financial situation.

Starting in 2023, a request for donations of dresses created a great way for the community to come together for a good cause. This year the request was sent out again but this time the project decided to expand from offering just dresses to also offering menswear as well.

Donations were collected at Valley Heights, Delhi, Simcoe, and Tillsonburg. The project needed storage totes, full-length mirrors, hangers, and elegant outfits to be donated to run this event. Thankfully, the community delivered and multiple events were able to be run!

Valley Heights Secondary School hosted two fitting events on February 27 and March 5 from 5–7 p.m.

There were hundreds of dresses, shoes, purses, ties, suits, and accessories to choose from—all entirely free!

Donations were accepted and were split between the Rags to Riches cat rescue as well as Valley Heights. The project was also thrilled to offer a giveaway this year where attendees could enter their name for a chance to win a makeup service, photo session, and a manicure and pedicure. Winners were posted on Instagram and Facebook pages shortly after the event and many people entered! By the end of the two events there were 32 individuals dressed, and many outfits left over for events to follow.

The Preloved Prom Project was a great help to the community and to its teens, helping them to find the perfect outfit for their special night.

A big thanks goes out to all the local businesses that helped collect donations, those who attended the event, those who helped to organize the event, Valley Heights for hosting, and, of course, those who donated, as the project wouldn’t be able to run without you! With the great successes of this year, next year is sure to have many more elegant and stylish outfits. Make sure that you stay updated by following the project on social media and spreading the word to those who might need a prom or graduation outfit.

Originally printed in The Good News, April 2025.