Fri, 27 Jun 2025

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 'Fairy godmother' gifts 1,000 prom dresses to girls

Stefanie Lakin's mission is for every girl and boy to go to the ball.
Stefanie Lakin, from Solihull, has set up a charity called Madrina which provides free prom dresses and suits to teenage girls and boys from low-income families. Since its inception in 2022, the charity has given out almost 1,000 dresses worth up to £750 each. Madrina collaborates with schools, local charities, and parents to identify families who need help. The charity also organizes pop-up prom shops at about 80 schools, where students can try on the donated dresses and get free shoes and bags. The owner of Anna Louise Gowns in Solihull, Rebecca Toftebjeig, was one of the first stores to donate dresses to Madrina. She said that seeing girls try on the prom dresses is a special occasion and it's "upsetting" to know that some can't afford it. Stefanie Lakin's goal is for every child to be able to attend their school prom, regardless of their financial situation. She hopes to continue spreading the word about Madrina so more students can get the help they need. The charity has also provided almost half a million items such as nappies and clothes since it was set up. One single mother, Florence Okello, received dresses for her two daughters from Madrina, saying that she had been worried about affording the cost of their outfits. Madrina's motto is "the promise for all - everyone should go to the ball", and Stefanie Lakin believes that role-modeling kindness is a great message to young people.
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