A London-based family-owned menswear company has stepped up to offer 2020 graduates and would-be prom partiers a pared-down version of the traditional end-of-school celebrations.
Collins Clothiers is launching a drive-thru grad/prom photoshoot experience at its London location at 297 Adelaide St. South on Thursday. The condensed festivities give students 15 minutes each to strut their stuff across an outdoor stage, pose for pictures and dance to their favourite songs, all while dressed in their graduate or prom attire.
"It's disappointing these guys don't get any celebration for graduating high school, Grade 8 or even kindergarten. It is always special for us to be able to see these kids get dressed up and we are missing that so we wanted to give the kids the opportunity," said Curt Collins, owner of Collins Clothiers.
Both the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board announced the cancellation of graduation ceremonies and proms due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in late April.
It was a move that hit close to home for Collins, whose own son graduated from Grade 8 this June without the traditional fanfare. That led Collins to begin calling friends and vendors to see who would be willing to donate their time to give area kids the chance to mark the rite of passage, while still maintaining physical distancing rules.
He was able to secure a 48 ft. by 50 ft. tent from Big Top Tent Rentals that has been outfitted with a stage, backdrop and lights. Local DJ Music Central Entertainment and HRM Photography quickly offered their services and a pair of food trucks also signed onto the cause.
"All of these vendors are stepping up and not asking for much in return. Basically nothing, just enough to cover some of their costs and hopefully we will give these kids something to remember," said Collins.
The drive-thru grad/prom experience, which is by appointment, was initially only going to last for three days. However, due to demand, Collins is considering extending it into next week. The cost to partake ranges from $50 to $150, with three different packages to choose from depending on whether grads want photos or a tuxedo rental.
As for whether Collins' son will have his moment on the stage, his dad was clear.
"We plan on getting him dressed up like a rockstar and making sure he enjoys his Grade 8 grad too," said Collins.
More information about the drive-thru grad/prom experience can be found by clicking here.
