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The Cinderella Project, founded in 1999, is a volunteer-driven initiative that supports vulnerable youth in their final year of high school across the Greater Vancouver area. The project assists 200-250 students annually who face significant life challenges including bullying, violence, neglect, abuse, and socioeconomic difficulties. Through partnerships with counselors, social workers, and youth workers, the organization helps these young people complete their high school education while believing in their potential for a better future.
A highlight of the program is the annual Boutique Day held at the Pinnacle Hotel (a major sponsor of the event for over 20 years) in downtown Vancouver, where youth are paired with mentors to select graduation attire from thousands of donated items. The project extends beyond this event, offering year-round support including comfort boxes during school breaks, mentorship opportunities, and assistance with post-secondary education planning. Notable partners include Moores, Save-on-Foods, and the Jim Pattison Group, with all donations going directly to youth support as the organization is entirely volunteer-run. Those interested in contributing or learning more about starting similar initiatives in their communities can find contact information in the episode's resources.
The Cinderella Project Website: https://thecinderellaproject.com
How to Help: https://thecinderellaproject.com/how-to-help/
Volunteers: https://thecinderellaproject.com/volunteer/
Post-Podcast comments from Heather:
The boutique day is held before spring break in March so that kids can actually see what their future could look like. It's like a dry run for their graduation ceremonies and festivities which they otherwise might have avoided (because they didn't have the outfit or the confidence to feel like they would fit in).
I feel like the name of the organization kind of throws it off because it seems to be trivial, like it's about the outfit, but it's not that at all. As we discussed, it's about the feeling of being worthy, about the feeling of belonging, about the feeling the future can be filled with people who actually care--and that kindness can prevail.
Last year was the first year we had someone who partnered with us to allow us be able to give full-ride scholarships. That was a massive development! I would love to tell you about the two youth that receive them and who they are and what they're up to one of these days… It's really pretty cool. So that's a great example of how if someone feels in alignment with the story we tell and has financial resources to share, it can really change a life. Please remember, this is a totally volunteer run organization--we don't use the money for anything other than making this a peak experience for the youth we support!
Guest Bio
Heather Mackenzie is the visionary founder behind the Cinderella Project, established in 1999 as a grassroots initiative aimed at empowering vulnerable and marginalized youth in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columb
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