London has a fairy godmother, and her name is Veronica Hosszu.
Hosszu is owner of specialty dress shop, Elizabeth Noel, and the brains behind the Princess Project.
The Princess Project began as an idea six years ago after Hosszu saw first-hand, how much work a mother was willing to do, to make her daughter’s prom dream a reality.
“I had a mom come in who wanted to let her daughter have the dress that she desired, but she was struggling to buy it. So, she literally came in every week with five dollars until she could pay for the dress.”
After that instance, Hosszu planned to launch a way to help financially-fragile families make grade 8 grad and prom dreams come true.
Elizabeth Noel storefront located at Richmond and Oxford.
“I thought to myself, this is just wrong. Everyone should get this opportunity and get to pick out a dress, and feel great and special… I started the Princess Project after that, it’s basically to help financially-fragile students be able to go to the prom or grad in the outfit of their dreams.”
The initiative originally began by partnering with Children’s Aid to find students in need, but these days Hosszu receives suggestions from the community and school principals to help identify students who may be eligible to take part.
“If we can prove and vet that the person is in actual need, we try not to turn anyone down. If someone shows need, we will book a private appointment with them so they can receive that one on one experience, they get to choose a dress of their dreams, and then on the day of Nova Vita hair salon does their hair and makeup.”
But for Hosszu, the Princess Project is about more than glitz and glam.
“To be honest with you it’s not about the dress… It’s about feeling special, inclusion, and giving them an experience.”
Despite its title, the Princess Program spans across all genders. For those who need or would prefer a tux, Colin’s Formal Wear works with Hosszu to provide tux rentals for anyone who wishes to feel like a prince.
In order to make the Princess Project a reality, Elizabeth Noel holds fundraisers throughout the year. Still, sometimes there is a greater demand.
“Yes, there have been years where after 5 or 6 students we run out of money… but we still try to do it. Sometimes suppliers kick in and donate a dress from the warehouse, but very often we’ll do things to raise the extra funds.”
Hosszu and her team have sold t-shirts and candy in the past to help cover the additional costs, but this year they’re trying out something new.
Elizabeth Noel will be hosting an “Adult Prom” with all funds going towards the Princess Project.
The 19+ event will include drag queens, music, and lots of fun fashion.
It’s a night for those who want to re-live their prom night or re-do their prom night. More than anything, it’s to help others experience an awesome prom night.
“Come out, have fun, and throw on a dress, so that someone else can have a dress.”
