A Palmerston North girls high school has implemented a "borrow a ball dress" scheme into their library, to help lessen the rising costs of school balls.
The idea came to Palmerston North Girls' High School librarian, Victoria Blockley-Powell, after she last year discovered some year 13 students were not attending the ball because of the cost.
"The ball is a big deal at this school, but once hair, nails, shoes, dress and tickets are paid for, it can become very expensive," Blockley-Powell told the Manawatu Standard.
"Students are becoming more conscious about spending money on a ball dress that will only be worn once and have expressed concern about the environmental impact.
"If we can be sustainable and make someone feel beautiful at the same time, let's do it."
Instrumental in creating the "borrow a ball dress" service was some of the school's past students donating their old ball dresses, and offering their time volunteering in the school library.
One of those who's doing both is Aimee West, who was in year 13 at Palmerston North Girls' High School last year.
"I know of students that couldn't go and it was heartbreaking because it's a huge thing," she said.
West says she estimates attending the school ball last year cost her $600. She also helped pay for a friend to attend.
The Palmerston North Girls' High School library dress stocks now include more than 50 dresses, in what Aimee says is a good range of colours, sizes and styles.
"It's definitely quite cool. Someone might get to wear it. It was only worn once and it seems a waste to have spent all that money on a dress that's only worn once, even if it was a magical night," West said.
If you'd like to loan out or donate a ball dress to Palmerston North Girls' High School email Victoria Blockley-Powell at v.blockley-powell@pnghs.school.nz.
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