Ahead of their much-anticipated senior school formal this week, eight graduating students from Carinity Education Southside visited a clothing emporium with a difference.
Formally Ever After is a community program in Logan which supplies free donated dresses, suits and accessories for young people struggling with the costs of attending their school formal.
The charity operates out of the home of passionate “formal fairy godmother”, Tammy Robinson. Tammy strives to show struggling young adults that “kindness is free”.
“A lot of kids aren’t going to their school formal just because they don’t have money. Here they can get everything they need for free. When they try on clothes you see them stand taller and you see them smile,” Tammy said.
Since establishing Formally Ever After in 2019, Tammy has dressed 1,500 high school students and 450 other vulnerable people requiring formal wear. As well as dresses and suits, Formally Ever After provides free shoes, perfume and jewellery to formal-goers.
“It’s a great place and I love the way Tammy has set it up. It was really fun to dress up. I tried on four or five dresses and would have liked to take home three extra dresses,” said Southside student, Janaya.
“I actually thought we had to pay for our dresses and when our teacher said that it was free, I couldn’t believe it. It’s a good charity that Tammy is running and it’s nice for those who are struggling with money.”
Tammy’s compassionate nature also flows through to supporting Brisbane seniors in her role as a lifestyle carer for Carinity Home Care.
“You’ve got to do stuff with purpose, make sure you’re using your time wisely and make it matter. I feel really blessed and happy to be able to do this,” she said.
This is the third year that Formally Ever After has supported Carinity Education Southside students in their preparations for their senior formal.
“Seeing the joy on the faces of our graduating students, their families and our staff on their big night is priceless. Tammy is helping young people to create magic memories that will last a lifetime,” said Southside Principal, Leann Faint.