TIMMINS - This year’s graduating class will have some help looking their best thanks to the work of some enthusiastic volunteers.
Julie Trottier had the idea to rent out formal wear three years ago, but that idea shifted and morphed into something completely different. Since then, Operation Belle was born, and she’s been giving away dresses, suits, ties, and more to anyone who needs formal wear for graduations or any other event.
“When I posted online to see if there was any interest, people messaged me saying,‘Oh, I have a dress. I’ll give it to you to rent out,’” she said. “I ended up never doing the formal wear rentals, and I fell in love with the idea of being able to give and to help people.”
This year, she is teaming up with Tammy’s Thrift Store in South Porcupine. Anyone looking to donate formal wear can drop it off there, contact Trottier at 705-221-8043, or drop it off at 340 Birch Street S.
“We have so many formal things in our closets that we’ve only worn once and don’t anticipate wearing again, especially prom wear,” she said. “For it to only be worn once and then to just sit in the closet doesn’t do the clothes justice.”
Vintage items always go quickly at the events, and everything is free to take.
They’re looking specifically for suits.
“That’s the donations that we don’t get very often, and they’re always the ones that go the quickest,” she said. “So anything boys can wear for formal wear.”
The joy she sees at this event is a reward for the work and changing how people see themselves in a tuxedo or a gown can be amazing.
“We helped out graduates, and then the general public, whoever needs formal wear, and a gentleman came in that said he had an interview but had nothing to wear,” Trottier said. “He went and tried something on, and as soon as he came out of the change room with the tux on, you saw the change in the way he was conducting himself, he felt so good about himself just by changing into the tux.”
The Operation Belle team will be at École secondaire publique Renaissance on April 3 and is looking to book space at the Porcupine Mall in early April. Another event will also take place in June.
“I like doing it just before prom, just in case something happens to someone’s dress,” she said.
Trottier said all sizes and styles are more than welcome.
“Not everybody can afford it or has the options, and in town, there’s kind of a lack of plus-sized formal wear, and every year our best selection every year has been in that section,” she said. “I’m happy that we can help out everyone.”
Her answer is simple when asked what she gets from the experiences.
“I do it because I can. I do it because I enjoy it,” she said. “We’re able to help so many people.”