Poor matrics get to be princesses for a day
Balfour Park Shopping Centre has joined hands with The Princess Project to help less privileged matriculates who often don’t feel like a princess on their matric farewell dance.
The centre will be hosting The Matric Dance Expo from 28 to 31 August, which seeks to showcase exhibitors with matric dance-related products and services. The centre’s marketing manager, Lawrence Dube, said the exhibitors would also be able to showcase their offering at a mini fashion show to be held at the centre on 30 August at 12pm.
Dube said, “The expo will be done in aid of The Princess Project, a project which seeks to help less privileged matriculants who often don’t feel like a princess [at] their matric farewell dance because they can’t get a good gown, dress, shoes and many more.”
During the expo, the centre will encourage their customers to donate an item to this charity, and the centre will also offer a drop-off point at the centre’s management offices.
Dube said, “We, as a centre, will also donate a number of items. We encourage customers to come and donate anything matric dinner-related to aid underprivileged 2014 matric pupils.”
He also invited young designers, especially from Alexandra, to participate in the expo.
“We have designers on board already, but we need more to come forward and showcase their talent – but it must be matric dance-related items.”
The project’s agent for Sandton/Alexandra, Mmatshepo Madisha said they were happy to team up with the centre. Madisha said they help dress matriculant girls who don’t have the financial means to dress themselves for the dance.
She said, “We [lend] them dresses, shoes and jewellery for the event, and they get to bring them back after, and then we get to help the next girl in need. Teaming up with the centre will help us a lot in terms of reaching out to people out there for donations, and most importantly, to reach out to pupils who are in need.”
Two lucky matriculants are poised to win a matric dance package comprising transport, a dress, shoes and a beauty treatment valued at R12 000 each. Hopefuls can place their entries in the entry boxes located at the exhibitors’ stands and entry is free. The pupils or their parents may enter.
Details: 011 786 0538.
