Attending graduation in a sharp suit or stunning dress is something most high-school students dream of.
But with ongoing inflation and the high costs already associated with graduation – which is fast approaching – not every Grade 12 student has that opportunity.
Addressing that reality, an Airdrie-based grassroots foundation called Adopt-A-Grad is available to support struggling students by providing them with lightly used or sometimes brand-new formal attire they can wear on their special day.
The foundation was founded in 2016, after a single mother reached out to Mike Riest to see if he had a suit that her son could borrow for graduation. Not having a suit of his own to lend out, Riest turned to the Facebook group Airdrie Dads for support.
“Within a couple days, we raised $500 for this young man, and we were able to buy him a couple suits,” Riest said.
Realizing the impact they made in a short period of time, Riest decided to take control of the initiative. Moving forward, he wanted to create a grassroots service that every graduating senior could access if they needed it.
Highlighting the hard work it takes to get to graduation, students are able to walk the stage looking good and feeling confident. Riest said the community engagement showcases the accomplishments the program has had over the last seven years.
“The community is there to support that,” he said. “I think that’s a really big indicator of the success of the program.”
Getting to know the students and their circumstances is an important part of the process. According to Lori Riest, who co-runs the foundation, the current high cost of living is having an impact on families, and some students are helping support their households by paying bills, working full-time, or even couch-surfing at a friend’s house.
Lori said Adopt-a-Grad wants to see these students succeed. She wants those who access the program to know this isn’t just a gift from them, but a gift from the community.
She said she recognizes there's a maturity that comes from being in hard situations.
“When you’ve gone through those kinds of hardships, you’re often demonstrating more maturity and motivation than a lot of grown adults,” she said.
The couple behind Adopt-a-Grad take pride in knowing they have not turned anyone away from accessing their services. They love seeing the smiles on the students’ faces and said that sometimes those they help can get emotional.
Knowing they are making people happy is what brings them joy. According to Lori, the community of Airdrie is unique in the way the city’s residents come together to provide support.
“It’s particularly strong in Airdrie where we see individuals and businesses coming together to help one another,” Lori said.
Adopt-A-Grad offers two opportunities to help students. The Formal Wear Event receives gently used or brand new suits and dresses that are donated to the foundation. Students can refer themselves or be referred on behalf of their family. Lori said students can essentially browse their racks for free until they find something they like and that fits them.
Students can also be sponsored. Working with school faculties, the foundation identifies potential students or families in need of financial assistance, helping cover the costs of graduation or with specific needs.
“We can help them with formal wear, we can help them with grad fees and banquet costs,” Lori said.
Those wanting to support Adopt-A-Grad can donate suits and grad dresses or bring in their empty bottles for donation. The foundation is also on the lookout for business to help with sponsorship. They will be hosting a fundraising event in the fall and those wishing to volunteer can contact them through their website.
