Welland ‘Eco Wardrobe’ Update

The woman behind an initiative to help teenagers in Market Harborough struggling with the cost of outfits for end-of-year school Proms says the public response has been absolutely phenomenal!

The summer appeal from Nicki Burgess at Welland Park Academy, for donations of suitable items, has so far resulted in 170 dresses, 18 suits, 21 pairs of shoes, 8 bags, 23 ties and some items of jewellery.

Pupils needing Prom attire can now access these items from the ‘Welland Eco Wardrobe’ – for just a small fee to cover cleaning costs.

Nicki with some of the donated dresses

Nicki, who’s the school principal’s PA, reveals among those donating dresses so far is opera singer Stephanie Edwards, who grew up in Kibworth.

She says: “I have been absolutely blown away by the generosity of people and I hope the ‘Welland Eco Wardrobe’ is something that will help youngsters have a fabulous outfit for their prom/graduation/special occasion at a low cost for years to come, whilst also stopping all of these items of clothing going into landfill or sitting in an attic for years.”

In fact, because people have been so generous, they’ve decided to create an online catalogue of all the available outfits and accessories early next year. Once their ‘Welland Eco Wardrobe’ is on the web, they’re planning to make all the items available for hire to the wider community, not just their own students.

You can continue to drop off donations for the wardrobe at the school or contact Nicki by email – burgessn@wellandparkacademy.com.

Three of Welland Park Academy’s young ‘models’ showing off more of the donated ‘Proms’ dresses