Brantford Police Services has once again teamed up with the Grand Erie District School Board for the seventh annual One Stop Grad Shop, which will be held at the King George Elementary School on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
The initiative, which provides students with a wide selection of gently used formal wear at no cost, was originally launched in 2017 and is run by Brantford Police Service Constable Kelsie Annaert and Lindsay Cordingley, a learning resource teacher at King George Elementary School.
“The drive was actually started by a teacher who used to work here,” said Cordingley. “Her name is Shannon McLeod and she’s since moved on, so Kelsey and I have been doing this together for probably four years now.”
Annaert said that the concept is simple.
“Basically, we ask the community to donate items like formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, and hair accessories for girls, and for boys, things like dress shirts, ties, pants, full suits, and shoes. We collect anything that people are willing to donate, then we set it all up on display so it’s visually appealing, and then anyone from Brantford or the surrounding area is welcome to come and find a graduation outfit for free,” she said. “We also really try to set it all up in a way that’s appealing for them, and so it feels like they’re out shopping for the night. Once they pick something out and are happy with what they’ve selected, we put it all in a gift bag for them and they’re on the way.”
“It’s a great initiative because everything is so expensive these days, and so this just helps take the stress off of the students and their families; especially because a lot of the time, you only wear these outfits for one night and then you may never wear them again,” added Cordingley. “
“In the past, we’ve even had people donate gift cards for the kids to get their nails and their hair done and so, if after we’ve outfitted someone and the only struggle is that they need to find the right undergarment or undershirt? Then that’s great.”
The organizers said that drive isn’t just for Grand Erie students either, but rather, all students from the area, be it elementary or high school.
“We’ve invited the high schools to come, so for example, we have GELA down the street, and they’re going to come shopping on the day of,” said Cordingley. “We’ve also already had the principal from Central School contact us and they’re planning to come during the day too, and so it’s not just for Grand Erie, it’s open to all of Branford and the community nearby.
As far as the impact it has on the kids, Cordingley said that it’s just great to see them light up.
“Grade 8 graduation is such a milestone in people’s lives, so to see their excitement to just go down and shop, it’s really awesome and it just makes our hearts happy,” she said. “We usually let our students sort of shop the day before and so they get to come down, try on five or 10 dresses, and their friends are there, and they really get to have that fun shopping experience. Also, parents are always welcome to come during the day or come later on, because if mom or dad want to be part of that experience, we would never want to take that away.”
Annaert added that from a police perspective, it’s also nice to be able to create a positive relationship with the youth.
“What’s super heartwarming for us, is to come down, see these kids, and just interact and build those relationships while helping them out,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to be in the community like this because people don’t call the police when they’re having a great day, right? So to be there on a great day, is really just the best thing.”
For those who are interested in donating formal wear, or even full length mirrors (to create an authentic shopping experience) you can drop off the items at the Brantford Police Station (344 Elgin St.) seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until Monday, May 12.
The event will be taking place at King George Elementary School on Wednesday, May 14 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
