Toowoomba glam team helps students attend formals

JASMINE Joy was able to attend her school formal last year, thanks to the kindness of strangers.

GLAM TEAM: Paula Lucas (left), the owner of Romeo and Juliet Hair Studio, and Gay Hold from Jazzy Lane Hair Studio help students attend their high school formals. Picture: Bev Lacey

JASMINE Joy was able to attend her school formal last year, thanks to the kindness of strangers.

Two friends Romeo and Juliet Hair Boutique's Paula Lucas and Gay Hold of Jazzy Lane Hair and Beauty Studio came up with the idea of helping students attend their formals.

They decided to form a glam team and put a call out to people to donate dresses, jewellery, hair and make-up sessions.

It was because of this that Ms Joy was able to attend her Year 12 formal with all her friends.

She had lived with her grandpa for four years when he became sick and she moved into the Haven, a place for people who are at risk of becoming homeless.

Her formal was coming up and she couldn't afford to attend.

"Then a woman I had never met before, Paula, organised this bunch of lovely ladies to come into the school and I was taken into this room where they had all these dresses set up, with shoes and jewellery," she said.

"They said it had all been donated and was free. I bawled my eyes out I was so happy."

Jasmine Joy was able to attend her school formal last year, thanks to the kindness of strangers.

She found a dress that was plain white and tie dyed it using spray paint.

Now, Toowoomba residents have the chance to help other students like Ms Joy who will struggle to attend their formal this year.

Ms Hold is working with Lea Emmett from Orphans and Widows to make the formal a reality for graduating students.

"It was hugely successful last year. We had such strong support from the community and were able to fully clothe and accessorise more than 30 girls," she said.

"We hope to surpass that but need the community's help to do so."

The donation project requires dresses, accessories, shoes and men's formal wear.

Any items can be dropped off at Jazzy Lane Hair or Orphans and Widows.

Ms Hold is also searching for any hairdressers, make-up artists or beauticians to join the project.

For more information search Toowoomba School Formals Donation Project or phone [phone].

Originally published as Toowoomba glam team helps students attend formals