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Dress sale takes pressure off prom

Nearly 1,000 elegant, affordable dresses will be available during the second annual Fraser Valley Dress Sale in Chilliwack on Sunday, May 1.
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Carolyn Burgh sifts through a collection of nearly 1

It’s time for the second annual Fraser Valley Dress Sale this weekend.

Hosted by Job’s Daughters International, it’s the perfect day to find a great dress for that special occasion in your life, at an affordable price.

There will be close to 1,000 donated dresses at your fingertips, in a range of styles for women of all ages and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a glamourous prom dress, a knee-length cocktail or party dress, an elegant skirt, or even bridesmaids or wedding gowns, there will be something for you.

“Formal dresses are expensive,” event organizer Carolyn Burgh explained. “We just want to make sure everyone has the same opportunity.” The sale aims to make it easier for everyone to afford a beautiful dress for their big day.

There will also be a small collection of suits for men to celebrate graduation, prom or another classy occasion.

Most of the dresses and suits have only been worn once or twice, some haven’t been worn at all. The long dresses will go for $20, short dresses $10 and suits will be $10.

Once you’ve found the perfect dress, you can pick out coordinating $2 accessories like shoes, purses and jewellery.

Job’s Daughters is an organization for young women between the ages of 10 to 19. The organization teaches girls how to be upstanding members of society through leadership, community service and many other fun events.

Funds raised from the annual dress sale go back into the Job’s Daughters program to continually improve the event each year.

At the first Fraser Valley Dress Sale last year in Chilliwack, volunteers raised about $1,300 and saw upwards of 300 shoppers in one afternoon.

In future years of the sale, the group hopes to also provide “boutique days” for graduating students from low-income families, who will receive complimentary hair-styling, make-up application, a dress and accessories for their special day.

If you have a formal dress or suit in your closet that you’ve outgrown or will never wear again, why not let someone else enjoy it?

To donate clean, lightly-used dresses, suits or accessories in advance of the sale, contact Carolyn at fvdresses@gmail.com to arrange pick-up or drop-off.

The organization is also looking for donated or borrowed rolling dress racks and stand-up mirrors, as well as garment bags.

The Fraser Valley Dress Sale takes place on Sunday May 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Chilliwack Masonic Hall (45905 Hocking Avenue). Limited change-rooms are available. The sale is cash-only.

Learn more about Job’s Daughters at bcjobsdaughters.org.