The Cinderella Sale

Ever despaired at the cost of ball gowns? As a parent it is a time honoured ritual to see your teenagers through their first school ball experience, but the expense can have many parents turning into pumpkins early! Don’t despair, Volunteer New Zealand and the Young Women’s Christian Association are turning themselves into fairy-godmothers. It’s the Cinderella Sale, a project that sees pre-loved and expensive designer dresses resold at bargain rates for all our penniless students out there.

The project has been spearheaded by Indian New Zealander Vanisa Dhiru, currently the chief executive of Volunteer New Zealand, with her smart dress sensibilities and great budgeting style, there are now many happy students out there enjoying their first school ball experience.

Eight-year-old volunteer Caeshlyn Murdoch and fairy god-dad Ben Briggs busy at the Cinderella sale.

Excited students at the sale.

Catering for all shapes and sizes Cinderellas.

Hunting through racks for just the right dress.

Designer accessories at bargain prices!

Dad and daughter team.

Proud dad also makes a great clothes horse.

Jennifer Fischer and Vanisa Dhiru with the belle of the ball, $400 down to $35 dress.

Fairy god-dad Ben Briggs for Volunteer NZ.

Jennifer Fischer (YWCA) helps with inquiries.

Eight-year-old volunteer Caeshlyn Murdoch and Vanisa Dhiru.

Proud mum and daughter.

The whole family at the Cinderella sale!

Young Asian Students.

Vanisa is busy!

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