Gals and Gowns Returns for 2023

Thursday, 16 February 2023 07:15

Hi-Way Pentecostal Church is currently accepting donations of prom, graduation and wedding attire for this year's Gals and Gowns fundraiser.

INGERSOLL - Hi-Way Pentecostal Church is excited to announce its second annual "Gals and Gowns" Fundraiser.

Formal events for women of all ages are fast approaching with proms, graduation, and wedding season just around the corner. This free giveaway provides women with formal outfits and accessories to help them get ready for their special date.

The event will be stocked with items for all occasions, including gowns and two-piece outfits, shoes, purses, hair accessories, and even make-up.

Although they would love to provide formal wear for everyone, this event is exclusive to women in Oxford County.

Creator of the event Teri Esson and some of the other volunteers at Hi-Way Pentecostal decided on hosting the event after the pandemic affected so many household incomes.

"We were asked why, and how did it start. In a nutshell, it was just a group of ladies sitting around the table at the end of COVID. We reflected on how people are able to go to special events again, but it's been sad that so many people have lost their jobs. People didn't have the funds to go out and buy that special something for the event. We kind of chuckled about how many items we probably have in our closets that we haven't used or only used for a few hours and that is where this idea was birthed."

Currently, the church is on the hunt for plus-size gowns, wedding attire for brides, bridesmaids, and mother-of-the-brides, and any type of formal accessory.

The Church is accepting donations during their Sunday Morning service from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They have also arranged other drop-off times for those who are not regular parishioners.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday evening 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you are unable to attend one of the drop-off times, Hi-Way Pentecostal is also doing porch pick-ups in the County.

If you are in need of formal wear and want to attend the giveaway event there are two days in March to take advantage. March 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or March 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The church is also changing its venue this year. The pick-up event will take place at the Ingersoll Seniors Centre.

For more information about the event visit their website.