i-Site plays Fairy Godmother' for balls

Jenna Currie is going to be the belle of the ball.

The 17-year-old Rotorua Lakes High School student will be arriving at her school ball kitted out in a new dress designed and made by Waiariki fashion design students, and pulling up in a limousine - all thanks to two new Rotorua i-Site projects. Rotorua's i-Site is organising King and Queen of the Night and a Ball Dress Swap with old ball gowns swapped for new ones.

Chosen to be Queen for her July 6 school ball, Jenna is one of the first to benefit.

Her dress is to be blue, with a heart-shaped bodice and one shoulder strap.

She is sure heads will be turning on the night as she arrives in style.

"I'm so happy and excited. Last year was a lot of fun but this year I will have a big impact."

Mum, Brenda Currie said it could be an expensive exercise kitting a girl out for the ball so she was grateful it won't be costing an arm and a leg.

"It's very humbling for everyone ... it's a great way to save money."

Rotorua i-Site marketing co-ordinator Linda de Klerk said with the ball season fast approaching, they wanted to help out in a creative way.

The two projects allow them to play "Fairy Godmother" to the community.

"We want people to realise i-Site is more than just a bus stop ... we are a city asset and part of the community ... It's such a big deal in high school. They want to feel special."

Each school nominates a student for King and Queen with the girl's dress designed, the boy's hired for them, they arrive in a limousine and their photograph is professionally taken.

Mrs de Klerk said they hoped it would become an annual event.

On July 25 a Ball Dress Swap will be held at Rotorua i-Site. In return for a dress, girls will be given a token they use to swap for another dress of similar value or they can buy tokens on the night. Gowns can be donated through the Night Market on June 27. All money raised from the dress swap will be donated to Dress For Success.