Donations wanted for Te Puke pop-up ball store

The school ball season is a special time in Te Puke.

Residents line the streets watching the glammed-up youth arrive for their big night.

"The community really comes together to celebrate our senior students," Tracey Fawcett, from the Vector Group Charitable Trust, says.

But for many teenagers and their families, the ball season can be a stressful time.

Fawcett had heard of some girls spending upwards of $500 on a new outfit and getting their hair and makeup done.

This is why the self-proclaimed "fairy godmother" is collecting donations of ball gowns, suits, shoes, jewellery and other formal wear for students to borrow and wear to their upcoming ball.

Fawcett ran a similar pop-up store last year where many students borrowed something for their big night and local hairdressers and beauticians donated time and resources to help get them ready.

With more time to plan and collect donations, this year was set to be bigger and better.

Tracey Fawcett is looking for more donations for the pop-up ball shop she will be running in Te Puke. Photo / John Borren

More than 130 items had already been donated to the pop-up shop, but many more donations were needed - especially suits.

The reason she started the borrowing system was to help those who may not be able to go to the ball because of money.

"It really is unaffordable for a lot of people," Fawcett said.

She said within society the idea had been created that wearing something more than once was often seen as "uncool".

"It's about teaching a little bit of sustainability, and thinking, 'How about I pass this on?' "

To borrow an item a small koha was accepted to help cover the costs of drycleaning.

Fawcett said the pop-up store was not just for Te Puke High School students but for the wider community.

Last year a woman contacted Fawcett because she had nothing to wear to an event in Auckland.

"She came in and we found her something beautiful to wear. She said she left feeling like a million dollars," Fawcett said.

"What a beautiful thing to be able to offer. I just love watching people's faces light up."

The pop-up store would be at the Vector Group Charitable Trust building on Oxford St in Te Puke.

To make donations or to find out how you can visit the pop-up store contact the Vector Group Charitable Trust through Facebook.