Chilliwack – The Second Annual Grad Pop-Up Event is happening January 5 – January 30 (2026) at the new location for the Free Store. The store is on Main Street between Kipp and Spadina.
This special event allows local grads to shop for grad attire completely free of charge, with the same respect, dignity, and excitement that every graduate deserves.
If you have grad attire such as dresses, suits, shoes, ties, jewelry, or accessories that you’d like to donate, they would be so grateful. Your donations help ensure every student can walk into graduation feeling proud and celebrated.
The event is organized and run entirely by volunteers who coordinate, prepare, and work together to make this incredible community effort possible.
Last year, they supported 174 grads, and this year preparing to help even more young people celebrate this milestone.
If you’d like to donate or if your grad needs to book an appointment, please message email thefreestoregeneral@gmail.com.
We are deeply thankful for every donation and for the continued support from our community. Together, we make graduation dreams come true.
From Executive Director Raylene Mumford:
We’ve been supporting women and men as volunteers, helping them find new paths to education and take steps toward post-secondary schooling. There are no barriers, no registration, no ID required — just people helping people, sharing what we know about school, connection, and possibility.
Today, someone walked into the Free Store carrying two laptops, both completely refurbished, and asked, “Could you use them?”
Could we ever.
Access to the internet and laptops opens so many doors — for applications, studies, and opportunities that can change a life. Those two laptops have already made an incredible impact.
One was given to a hardworking mom who’s returning to school to become a psychologist. It came from Tara and her husband, who even purchased a computer bag so she could start strong.
The other went to a mom beginning nursing school, who was struggling to get to class and keep up. An anonymous donor from our Free Store community also gifted her $500 so she could buy her books and supplies.
These moments are what community is all about. People helping people, quietly and powerfully.
To the two incredible women stepping into new chapters of their lives — we believe in you. And to those who gave, thank you for making hope tangible.
