A sense of wanting to help others and to make a difference has driven Port Macquarie's Chelsea Connell to organise the gifting of formal dresses for high school students across the Mid North Coast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The concept is simple: you donate a dress that can be gifted to a high school student to wear to their formal.
More than 70 dresses, some shoes and other accessories - along with offers of make-up and photography - have already been donated to the cause, Cinderella's Gift, Port Macquarie.
The year 12 Heritage Christian School student says the response from community has been overwhelming.
“The response has been stunning,” she said.
“In just two weeks I've already received over 70 dresses, four pairs of shoes, offers from people to provide make-up and photography.
“It has been really rewarding to see the generosity of the community.
"There is a similar service in Brisbane - Fairy Godmother Project - but nothing like this exists on the Mid North Coast.
"I just want everyone to enjoy their school formal," Chelsea said.
Cinderella's Gift Port Macquarie had its genesis through Chelsea's involvement with Grace Church where she is part of Culture Setter and the Friday night youth group World Changes.
"I was writing a speech about how we can make an impact on other people's lives and I realised that I wasn't actually making an impact.
- Chelsea Connell
"I was writing a speech about how we can make an impact on other people's lives and I realised that I wasn't actually making an impact," she said.
"Sure, I was going to school and coming home, but that was it. So I thought this was a good way to make a positive impact on people.
"The response was immediate and very surprising and rewarding. The generosity of the community has been outstanding.
"But I think I am going to need some help. Our spare room is covered in dresses so I am now on the look out for a spare room or area where these girls can come and try on the dresses."
Chelsea is continuing to take collections with Lakeside Fashions in Lake Cathie a drop off point. She is also looking for a drop off place in Kempsey.
Girls can try on dresses - the range is from size 6 to 20 - from around June, she said.
To make a donation or to learn more about this project go to the Cinderella's Gift, Port Macquarie Facebook page or email Chelsea at cinderellasgift@gmail.com