Welties initiative aims to make the Matric Farewell a night to remember
The Matric Dress Express primarily serves young ladies and men who are unable to afford an outfit.
Glynis Rozendo, the creator of the Matric Dress Express, has become the fairy godmother for matriculants in Weltevreden Park and the nearby suburbs.
In March 2016, while having lunch with two friends who were much more involved in charitable causes than she was, she mentioned the idea to them.
“I told them I had a dream to help matriculants with dresses for their special night but did not know how to set up a page as I was very technologically challenged,” said Glynnis.
Her friends thought it to be a great idea, and four hours later The Matric Dress Charity Express was born. Rozendo added that there had been a name change as many recipient felt embarrassed by one of the words in the name.
The Matric Dress Express primarily serves young ladies and men who are unable to afford an outfit. A tin or packet of food that will be donated to the WelBeing Food Bank to feed people in and around their communities serves as the “charge” for a one-hour fitting. The young ladies’ dress, shoes, shawl, and jewellery (stock dependent) are an additional R200, and the young men’s suit/ tuxedo, shirt, bow tie, or tie are an additional R200, both stock dependent. Men’s shoes are scarce, though there are a few pairs available. The R200 is to pay for any possible dry-cleaning.
“I would guess that over the years well over 500 people have benefited from this initiative as we have dressed people for any occasion. Naturally, Covid had a negative impact for two years, and we were compelled to close during the pandemic,” she added.
The MDE has been extremely fortunate in that donations have increased significantly, giving the ladies a sizable selection. They offer sizes 26 through to XXXL. When a learner is dressed up and beaming from ear to ear, sometimes tears of joy are shed, especially when they feared they might be able to attend the Matric Farewell Dance, which is the last step on the ladder of success at school. Teachers who will be at the farewell are also dressed.
Pageants have been supported both in schools and privately. People attending themed functions have benefited, and schools have received dresses that have been worn numerous times, as have charities with which Glynnis collaborates to assist those in need who are unable to travel to Weltevreden Park.
Debbie Smith recently helped with the revamping of the Matric Dress Express and checked all clothing for damage or marks.
“This was a massive undertaking, but it was rewarding because we were able to donate clothes to worthy causes once again,” explained Glynnis.
Donations of good-condition dresses and tuxedos, shoes, and shirts are always welcome.
