High schools are set to roll out the red carpet for their upcoming school balls, and an initiative by Nelson College, Nelson College for Girls and Nayland College’s environmental committees last week, gave leeway for students to put on the ritz at a low cost.
The formal attire op shop at Nayland College had dresses, suits, shoes and accessories which were donated by the community, Nelson Environment Centre and ReStore over a period of two weeks.
Affordable prices were allocated to each item, including dresses and suits between $10 and $20 and students were able to earn a discount coupon by donating items.
Nayland College environmental committee leader Annabell Batt says she was “stoked” by the “lovely” community response.
“We’ve had some awesome people from the community who have been so enthusiastic when they’ve come in to try on items,” she says.
“It’s not strictly limited to just school students and balls, it’s more about getting formal wear out to everyone in the community. Then secondly, there’s the issue of textile waste, and so many people in the community have ball dresses and suits in their wardrobes that they’re not using, so why not repurpose that and help save the environment?”
Profits from sold items were split between Nelson College, Nelson College for Girls, and Nayland College’s environment committees’ waste minimisation projects.
