These are sampling of the letters we’ve received over the years from the students and counselors who have been involved in The Cinderella Project.
At our Indigenous Grad ceremony both Kate & Jesse put for their “Most memorable moment in high school” they both stated “Cinderella Project” Thanks for all that you all do ……..Counsellor
It meant a lot to me to be part of the Cinderella Project, and I’m also very thankful for the amazing suit I received. It helped me feel confident and proud during such an important time in my life. Thank you again for believing in students like me and for all the encouragement you give because without it I would not have had the focus I needed to complete high school…….Student
“I participated in the project in 2016 and also applied for a scholarship at the end of it, I ended up receiving a 1000 dollar scholarship as well as a laptop that year. Although life took me a couple different ways since I graduated high school, I am currently in a nursing program, with two more years to go before I can take the exam to become an RN. I think for people that aren’t in a tough situation, its hard to really understand so I felt the need to write this and support the program because it helped me so much at that time and even now. When I was graduating high school, I (along with many other participants) had so much going on that this helped create a place of safety and hope for me and made me think about normal teenage stuff instead of other problems that I was constantly bogged down with after. Later on, the scholarship money gave me the freedom to really figure out what made me happy and allowed me to take a class that was not a pre-requisite for my previous bachelors degree, and that class led me down the path to nursing. I still use the laptop I was given because of this program, and honestly it has saved me so much time to be able to do work at my own convenience instead of whenever I am at school. Another reason the program still impacts me today, is the letter I got when I was accepted into the Cinderella Project which was the first time (as far as I can remember) that someone said they were proud of me and I still read it to this day when I need some motivation or just a reminder that I can get through something. I know I am far from your oldest graduate but this program has made a huge impact in my life and I want to support it in any way I can.”
……..Student Alumni
am beyond grateful to have been a part of the incredible experience that you guys have given me and so many other youth, you believed in me when nobody else would…….Student
It is often the mum’s that I remember the most. They are so emotional at seeing their kids in a suit and recognizing that they are actually going to graduate; as many times, they are the first to graduate in their families. They are so grateful and can’t believe our generosity. Lots of smiles and tears!……..Volunteer
“You showed us that there is a different world out there – a community that is there for us. Thanks to the help I received, I have a plan in place for how to apply to culinary school for the fall. Next stop – the Food Network! ……..Student
If more than 400 volunteers from this community – none who know me – were willing to invest their time to be here for ME, it made me realize that I do have a place in this world and I am going to fight to be a part of it.” …….Student
“You are not only helping me by giving me this special day but it has a domino effect, it has given hope to those around me. You have no idea how much this is helping me to continue to graduation. I didn’t realize that there were so many people that care ”…….Student
Dear The Cinderella Project Family,
Today, I received a wonderful gift basket from you, and words cannot describe how special I feel today. I was overwhelmed with absolute joy as soon as I read the letter that was sent to me with it.
In my entire life, I had never received the love and joy I always wanted. The challenges I have faced in my life have made me the person I’ve always wanted to become. Even though I was strong enough to overcome those challenges, I still was missing a big piece in my life, which was happiness. Today, as I read your letter, my eyes filled with tears and I was filled with so many emotions, as if I became alive again. I knew someone in this world cared about me. I have never felt this special in years. Attached to the letter was another note that had a quote on the back of it. The quote was one that I live by, and that quote has helped me persevere in life. I will be framing that quote to treasure the love you have sent me today. I seriously can not convey how much this means to me. All the gifts are so thoughtful and just perfect. I sincerely appreciate everything you have blessed me with today. Truly, it filled my day with warmth and joy.
Thank you very very much❤ ……..Student describing receiving a Comfort and Joy Box.
This student attends our outreach/alternate school. I really didn’t think that this student would make it to graduation. When I told the student that they had been accepted into the Cinderella Project, they replied “me, they are going to take me??”. The student was overwhelmed. Since the day that they were accepted, the student did not miss a day of school and did a total turnaround. At the Boutique Day the student was amazing – talking about future plans, interacting with people. etc. I was in tears because I had been so afraid that this student would drop out of school, or even worse, drop out of life. This young person now has a plan for the future and a smile on her face ……….Counsellor
Two students came to Boutique Day that parent a little girl together. They were so supportive of each other and excited to be graduating, looking forward to the future. They both attend a teen parent program in Vancouver. They shared how the Cinderella Project gave them the encouragement and support that they needed to stay together and pursue their education, and to be a role model for their daughter……..Volunteer
Family of 11 live in 2 bedroom accommodation in BC Housing. In 2022 oldest son was killed by a drunk driver. Family lives in extreme financial difficulties as well as emotional trauma. They are completely dependent on school and community resources to survive but continue to give back in meaningful ways. Student was a member of three youth councils that organized and facilitated community events. She led life-skill workshops for Grades 6 to 12 girls that taught them how to be leaders and take initiative within their community. She also assisted with coordinating and distributing over 600 hygienic-care packages for unhoused people and collecting toiletry kits and handmade scarves for a local women’s shelter. The Cinderella Project was key for the student to overcome her struggles and continue with her education, and to ultimately achieve a Loran Scholarship – a prestigious and highly competitive award for Canadian students that recognizes character, service, and leadership potential, plus academic achievement. Valued at up to $100,000 over four years, it offers a comprehensive program of mentorship, summer internship funding, and participation in a network of scholars ……….Counsellor
Student lives with her Mom, 2 younger siblings, 2 younger cousins, all of them live at their grandparents 3 bedroom apartment, as they are unable to find/afford living accommodations. They have all been living there for nearly 2 years (no dad in the picture). The family accesses a neighbourhood church every second week for groceries. Student has been accepted at VCC for Auto Collision and Refinishing; so that she may follow her dream of working on cars and eventually specializing in classic cars. She will be sorely missed at her school as she is a true, caring, levelheaded friend to all. She says that it’s important to her to do that because “she wants to become the person who she needed, when she felt alone, so that others feel cared for and supported!” She said that without the encouragement, she would not have completed high school or been able to boldly go after her dreams ……….Counsellor
Student oldest of 4 and lives with mother, they rely on social assistance to support the family. They face significant financial challenges, especially after making the difficult decision to leave an abusive domestic situation. To help make ends meet, the family has benefited from the lunch program, waived school and course fees, and unlimited access to our Community Schools food share market. They live in co-op housing waiting to get into subsidized housing. The moment the student got accepted into the Cinderella Project, I noticed a change in their confidence and commitment to staying in school, and I am excited to report that they will be attending Langara in the fall ………. Counsellor
Student is 3rd oldest of 9 children with single mother, who struggles with depression and anxiety. Mother does not work, dad is absent (does not contribute any money). Student takes leadership role in the family, with strong responsibilities to be a role model to her siblings. Thanks to all the support and kindness form the Cinderella Project, the student is committed to her education, has been accepted at Langara with the goal of transferring to SFU with a long-term goal of law enforcement (VPD). Determined to break the cycle of poverty and make a positive impact in her community. ………..Counsellor
Thank you so so much Ms. D. and the Cinderella project team!! This makes me so happy and I am so forever eternally grateful for everything you have both done for me. I feel so cared for and appreciated and that means so so much for me. For the first time, I felt like I truly belonged. That feeling made me want to finish school. Thank you so much again for all you have done …….Student
Before Boutique Day, this student wasn’t sure if she’d even attend grad. Afterward, she couldn’t stop talking about graduation and has already made plans to attend university. The Cinderella Project completely changed her in every way for the better ………..Counsellor
The Cinderella Project helped me see myself not as a burden, but as someone who has something to offer and someone who can be part of a community. Boutique Day was amazing. It filled me up with joy and hope and made me think about the future in a good way for the first time. …….Student
They didn’t just give me a suit. They gave me a reason to show up and a reason to move on and to graduate. The Project was a life-saver for me. …….Student
My student walked in shy and a little afraid, and left beaming and laughing. She really came out of her shell, and her Mom said it was the first time she talked about the future with happiness attached. It was just an amazing transformation. ……..Volunteer
The people there believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I was gonna leave school, but now I am staying and will be graduating. That’s all because of the Cinderella people…….Student
This program helps keep our most vulnerable students safe and our most invisible young people a place where they can be seen and heard. It gives them a sense of belonging and the knowledge that other people care about them, even strangers they have never met before. The Cinderella Project saves these kids’ lives. ………..Counsellor
Dear Cinderella project: It is almost impossible to put into words the incredible difference that you organization makes in the lives of students year after year. As a school counsellor for almost 22 years, u have referred many students to The Cinderella Project over the years. These youth have never had a cheerleader, they carry burdens far beyond anything any human should have to bear – much less a child. I have witnessed firsthand how transformative your efforts are as you walk alongside each student providing encouragement and connection in ways that make our students want to show up and keep going. To see the difference in a young person who has been so discouraged, exhausted and hopeless to feel seen and valued and through your affirmations and unequivocal support, feeling like a positive future is possible …. It wows me year after year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart……Counsellor
Yesterday I get to witness a student who has struggled their whole young life proudly walk across the convocation stage to accept their diploma. I wish you could have seen the moment, head held high, walking with confidence as they were gifted the Peter Mackenzie Memorial award for excellence in achievement. The pride that our whole counselling team felt was evident with all the tears and all the cheering. For Sofia she is the first in her family to graduate high school and to be honest none of us knew if she would even survive with the overwhelming depression and anxiety she’s contended with, she has lived in her own since grade 10 and has overcome so many obstacles. Now she’s excited to pursue a career in social work so she can help others and make a difference in the world the way you and your volunteers have made a difference in her life……Counsellor.
What you do at the Cinderella Project changes lives – not just for these amazing deserving students but for all of those connected to witness my daughter walk proudly across the stage tonight brought me to tears. I never thought this day could be a reality with all the struggles our family has had, it’s incredible. The gift you gave Fiona and I, we both feel that the future is brighter knowing we are part of the living Cinderella family . We have never felt such kindness and love. You give all of us hope knowing there are good people in this world……Parent
Everyone was so kind and so respectful and you understand that every child matters. I have felt so much shame that I thought about suicide almost every day. I felt so alone and didnt want to go to school any more, as it all felt too impossible. Then one day my counsellor called me in and told me id been nominated to be a part of Cinderella because I was working so hard and people believe I could be a leader who make a difference in the world. Noone ever said anything like that to me before but there it was in my letter. I’ve kept that letter in my pocket and every day I read it. Things are still hard but every day I’m believing in the person you see in me. I want to do this and make everyone proud – including myself……..Student
Through The Cinderella Project you showed me that i could finish High School and chase my dream to be a teacher . All the voices around be told me I’d never amount to anything but with your shared encouragement those voices have been proven wrong –
I’m off to University in September and your gift of an achievement award will help me get through school. Thank you for being the angels you are. Can’t wait to be back to volunteer! ……..Student
With the support of the Cinderella project you’ve shown students that their dreams can come true. It is a remarkable thing. I know that the ripple effects of what you do goes far beyond just the students, but for those who witness the power a kind and loving community can, I’ve referred 11 students over the past 5 years and I know that nine of them would not have completed high school without your gift of encouragement and incentivizing. ……Counsellor