Gowns for Grads Benefits More Than 500 Youth in Record-Breaking Year

 

This year’s Gowns for Grads event was the most successful yet, benefiting more than 500 youth from across Durham Region, who are now ready to celebrate their graduation in style. The event, which took place at G.L. Roberts in Oshawa, was

 a resounding success and marked a significant milestone for the community initiative.

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, more than 50 volunteers and officers worked tirelessly to assist students in selecting the perfect gowns, shoes, and accessories for their big day. Students left with smiles on their faces, excited about their carefully chosen outfits that will make their graduation even more memorable.

In addition to the gown selections, every attendee was entered into a raffle for a chance to win over 20 prizes, including hairstyling, manicures, pedicures, and gift baskets. All raffle winners will be notified in the coming days.

The success of this year’s event was made possible thanks to the hard work of the Gowns for Grads Committee, DRPS Auxiliary Unit, dedicated volunteers, and the generosity of the community. With such a large number of students benefiting from this initiative, the organizing team is already looking ahead to next year. Plans are underway for even more donations and support to continue helping Durham Region youth.

A huge thank you goes out to all those who donated, volunteered, and participated, including G.L. Roberts CVI for providing the venue space. Your support made this incredible event possible, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Thanks to our sponsors and those who provided donations:

PADAN

COSTCO – Ajax + Ritson Oshawa

DRPA

Downtown Whitby BIA

Durham Region Transit

MELO

G.L. Roberts CVS

Multitech Graphics

Party City Whitby

Pizzaco

Giant Tiger - Whitby and Oakville

8 Bit Beans

Another Spin

Brown and Co. Bowmanville

Blush Pretty

Brookstead Fine Flowers

The Beauty Vault Inc

E+ A Nails and Spa

GoodLife Fitness

Lavish Salona + Spa

Lowe + Simone

One More Cocoa – Gourmet Chocolate

RN RC Aesthetics

Skin Essence Medspa

Style Loft Boutique

Tangled Hair Studio

Vault Mental Health

Yvonne’s Esthetic Boutique

Multitech Graphics

Peacock Promotions

 

Baked goods donations:

Amelia Till

Carol Sweeney

Carla Holland

Claudette Helen

Barenaked Baker

Bake Boss Cake Shop

Biscuits to Baskets

Gabs + Keeks

Teralyn Coleman