Donations Needed to Help Outfit Youth for Spring Graduations

Spring graduation celebrations are just around the corner and members of DRPS are organizing two special events that will provide young people with the resources they need to attend their graduation celebrations.

Gowns for Grads provides youth with dresses, cultural formal wear and accessories for prom and graduation. Many do not have the economic resources to attend as some dresses can cost upwards of $800. Additional expenses are then required for shoes, hair services and accessories. 

In addition to Gowns for Grads, our Suits for Youth initiative will outfit young people with suits, and other accessories they can use for both prom and for job interviews when school is finished.

Both events are in need of donations that can be dropped off at any DRPS divisional police station in Durham Region. Gowns for Grads is looking for new or gently used dresses, shoes, accessories, cultural formal wear and gift certificates for hair salons, make-up, spa services and florists. If your business can donate, please email gownsforgrads@drps.ca

Suits for Youth is in need of new or gently used suits, jackets, pants, shirts, ties and bow ties. Donations can also be dropped at the Oshawa Centre Guest Services.

Gowns for Girls takes place Saturday April 26, 2025, at G.L. Roberts Collegiate and Vocational Institute, 399 Chaleur Ave in Oshawa from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Suits for Youth is taking place on Wednesday April 16, 2025, at the Oshawa Centre, 419 King St W, Oshawa, Food Court Entrance to lower level, from 10:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.

Organizers can be reached by email at gownsforgrads@drps.ca  or suitsforyouths@drps.ca. See attached posters for more information.