By Darren Lum

Published Feb. 27 2018

It’s about making graduation a special highlight in a student’s life.

Organizers of Make Dreams Come True a community initiative are giving Highlands students from Grades 8 to 12 an opportunity to dress up formally for the special day of transition.

For the entire month of April from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at Castle Antiques in Haliburton  students can come to select from the collection of donations totalling 300 dresses and at least a dozen suits as well as shoes purses and jewelry.

The venue was provided by Castle Antiques who will also offer draw prizes and gifts on Friday March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A seamstress will be available for alterations on March 9 April 14 and 28. Other days may be added but the aforementioned have been confirmed.

After four years Nancy Lowes who organizes this effort with Jenn Abbott appreciates the support from the community and the stories that come with the donations.

“We have been surprised by the generosity of the donations and really enjoy some of the stories that come with the dress. One woman donated a dress that her mother had worn to this woman’s own wedding” she wrote in an email.

The organizers welcome donations. Drop off locations are at Organic Times in Minden and Why Not Collect It in Haliburton.

Lowes said students don’t have to bring much of anything to participate.

“This event is for all grads and those attending graduation. All they need to bring is an open mind and patience” she said.

From Abbott’s Facebook page: “If you have dresses women’s or men’s dress shoes or even guys’ suits hanging in your closet collecting dust we would be happy to take [them] off your hands … Let’s make our local grads’ dreams come true!”