LENNOXVILLE: Every girl deserves to feel like a princess on the day of her prom. Fancy dresses can be pricey, and when we think about the additional cost of shoes, jewellery, hair and makeup, the costs involved in such an event seem to skyrocket. This is why the Lennoxville and District Women’s Centre and the Bishop’s University Golden Key Honour Society have teamed up to organize a Prom Dress Drive & Extravaganza. These organizations will be collecting donations of dressed until the second week of May; shoes, jewellery and any other accessories that could make a girl’s perfect prom outfit a reality would also be appreciated.

On Friday, May 10th (from 4:30 to 9pm) & Saturday, May 11th (from 9am to 5pm) the collection of these outfits will be available at Boutique Encore (178 Queen St., Lennoxville) during the Prom Dress Extravaganza: All Dolled Up, at a small fraction of their original cost (all dresses priced under $20).

In addition to the selection of outfits, a number of young women will be there to help girls find the dress of their dreams among the store’s racks. On Friday evening, the stylists from Studio Unik (241 Queen St., Lennoxville) will be on hand to advise girls on hairstyle options. They will also be offering 15% discount coupons to anyone who wishes to make an appointment to have their hair done on the day of their graduation. A seamstress will also be present to make any alteration suggestions necessary. A number of organizations and businesses have jumped on board in order to make this event a success and make the road to prom as exciting and stress free as possible for girls …and their families. All proceeds from this event will be generated back into the community through Boutique Encore, a Social Enterprise run by the Women’s Centre.//Donations can be made through the LDWC (257 Queen Street, Lennoxville); Boutique Encore (178 Queen Street, Lennoxville); BU Golden Key Society ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ); BCS (Bishop’s College School) – Kathy Rae or Kathryne Owen; Champlain Regional College - Nancy Beattie

_____Founded in 1981, the Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre (LDWC) is a community organization serving women throughout the Estrie region. The LDWC receives core funding from the Minister of Health and Social Services. Special projects are supported by other sources such as Centraide. The Centre employs three full-time staff with different areas of expertise to meet the needs of women in our region. Part-time staff is hired as needed to run special projects, and members who are keen to share their skills lead workshops and special activities.

Many services and activities are available through the Centre. On a provincial level, the LDWC is involved in advocacy, lobbying to improve conditions for women in areas such as work, safety, and rights. Forming partnerships with both French-speaking and English-speaking organizations, they are better able to serve the members of the community. The LDWC represent women helping women. Give them a call or drop by to learn more about this organization! Any woman, 18 years or older, may become a member of the Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre. Membership fees are affordable, so membership is accessible for all. Your membership supports our work. The larger our numbers, the more clout we have when lobbying on behalf of women in the Estrie region.

Please note:

The Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre is open to all English-speaking women in the Estrie region. You do not have to be a member to seek information, services, or help. For info: 819-564-6626 or www.ldwc.ca