- ... FAQ's about the Operation Fairy Godmother Sabbatical
OFG Sabbatical FAQ’s
School Principals and Coordinators
Why are you taking a year off from Operation Fairy Godmother?
Several concurrent issues told us it was time to rethink Operation Fairy Godmother. We came to this decision after months of discussion.
1. The very success of Operation Fairy Godmother has surpassed our resources. Operation Fairy Godmother is just one of many programs operated by the Vancouver School District Foundation. We must balance the resources required for Operation Fairy Godmother with our other programs.
2. We lost our space at the Vancouver Mall.
3. We’re seeing a trend that proms are becoming less formal. More girls are wearing semi-formal & short dresses and there are themed dances, too.
4. Our schools must do more with less at a time when families are struggling with the impact of a deep, prolonged recession. We’re asking ourselves, not just about Operation Fairy Godmother, but all our programs, "Are we using our resources as effectively as possible to help the greatest number of students in need?"
5. We’ve been in discussion with several potential community partners, but nothing has jelled. We are actively searching for partner(s) who will assume a leadership role in this program.
Can we still do something at our school? Can we call it Operation Fairy Godmother?
You are welcome to have an event at your school, but the Foundation will not be organizing or assisting with individual school events.
Also, you may not use the “Operation Fairy Godmother” name or logo, OFG equipment or dresses. “Operation Fairy Godmother” is a registered trademark of the Vancouver School District Foundation and may not be used.
Can the Foundation help us with an alternate event?
Unfortunately no. Please discuss your ideas with the coordinator who handled Operation Fairy Godmother at your school last year.
Can we borrow your (VSDF) equipment?
Unfortunately, no. Our equipment is in storage and will not be available for schools.
Will VSDF be accepting dress donations?
No. We encourage anyone who has a dress to donate to contact Goodwill or a local consignment or thrift store.
Where else can students get dresses?
Spanky’s,
Students may talk to their principals or counselors who may have funds available.
What about the dresses in storage?
They will stay in storage this year. We will keep the inventory until a decision has been made about the future of the project.
When will you know about OFG 2012?
Most likely summer 2011, after we’ve had a chance to gather feedback from our community partners and evaluate our options.
Community Dress Donors
What do I do with the dresses I want to donate now?
VSDF is not collecting dresses this year. However, consignment stores and stores such as Goodwill and
What are you doing with the dresses you have?
They will stay in storage this year. We will keep the inventory until a decision has been made about the future of the project.
Community Volunteers
Can we do something to make OFG happen this year?
Thank you for your offer to help.
Would you be interested in something other than Operation Fairy Godmother?
We have other volunteer opportunities like Lunch Buddies.
You may also contact neighboring schools for opportunities.
Will you keep my name on the list for next year?
Of course!
Event Sponsors/Partners and Vendors
Is there another way we can support you this year?
What are you interested in?
Attend our Annual “Books and Basics” Luncheon on June 2, 2011 at the Hilton Vancouver.
Our Lunch Buddy program is always looking for sponsorship and volunteers.
We serve the students of VPS and providing basic needs is a primary mission of our Foundation.
What about next year?
We won’t know about next year (2012) until summer 2011, after we’ve had a chance to gather feedback from our community partners and evaluate our options.
