We have also published some of these testimonials over at YourWeddingFolder.com.

I came in this afternoon to bring in my dress, veil and hairpiece. I was greeted by a very nice lady with a big smile working there who took my stuff and gave my friend and I a tour of the place.She also gave us an overview of the project and answered all of our questions. I just want to say a great big thank you to her and the founder of this great project.

I was so happy that I donated my things to such a great cause. My father passed away from Cancer and its good to see so many things and meet so many people doing things to support such a good cause to make a difference. I am hopeful that others wil continue to donate as I did to lend a helping hand.

–Cynthia Arcato

Over a year later since my wedding and I am just getting around to sending you pics as promised… We got married on September 16th, 2006, the wedding was beautiful and the dress was a hit. At that price we saved the down payment for our house lol. When my mom saw me in it she cried…thats when you know it’s the one lol. My husband and I have been happily married for one year now, we are buying our house in the spring and fingers crossed (my mother-in-law’s that is) we will be expecting our first child soon.

Thank you guys so much! you made my day more than special.

I have told all of my engaged friends about you so hopefully someone investigates it (TBP) further. I cannot say enough good things about you and TBP. You truly made my day more than I could have ever imagined. I was watching our wedding video again (by myself) yesterday….it makes me soo happy and I don’t think I’ve ever felt as pretty as on that day. I owe a lot of that to you and TBP. Thanks for the compliments on my dress. I love it so very much and if you are looking for brides to do a fashion show (at the 2008 Sensible Bride Show), count me in!

–Amber, Oakville

(Helen was the officiant at Amber’s wedding in Oakville over the 2007 Canada Day Weekend. We wish her and her husband the greatest joy and happiness in the years to come.)

This is a copy to the editor to Canadian Living Magazine after Helen appeared in their May 2007 : A Living Legacy.  With much interest I read the article about The Brides’ Project in your May Issue (“A Woman to Know”).  While is must be heartbreaking to lose a child at the tender age of nince, I’m sure it must provide some comfort to the parents  and sister of Lisa to know that her spirit will live on throught eh love and selfless action of her dear friend.

The memorial to Lisa’s life through the donations to cancer research is a living legacy that can never be erased.  I can’t imagine a truer friend than Helen.

–Violet Tulk, St. John’s, NFLD

I came to your store after seeing a “bit” on CityTV and searched online for it. I was determined to have an economical and somewhat environmental “small” wedding of 30 people. It was held at my family cottage… and we even went for a canoe ride! Regardless, your amazing store helped make our wedding a little less commercial, and I PROMISED I would donate it back. I hope the next Bride that buys it from you enjoy’s it as much as I did. Oh yeah, it has been dry cleaned, and as I said, had 10″ taken off of the train. But other than that, NO alterations, it is still the same size 14 that left the store, only worn once, and cleaned.”

–Diane from Toronto

What an amazing project and for a great cause! The website is full of info, and I’m definitely going to visit the store when I’m down in Toronto in the summer (I’m getting married next year). And it’s nice to
know that the money will go to helping children, and not just some corporation.

Keep up the great work, Helen!

–Nadia from Ottawa

I wanted to thank you for my beautiful veil. It turned out exactly as I had hoped and went so well with my dress. It was perfect! You were so helpful and did such a wonderful job. I’ve been meaning to email you for many months (David and I were married in August of 2006) and I feel terrible for taking so long to thank you… Thanks again for all of your help in making our wedding day such a memorable one.

–Sophie

I just wanted to say THANK you! I was recently there with my step-sister and she found a stunningly beautiful dress, and I don’t think I have ever seen her look so happy. The fact that this dress has already gone down the aisle 2 times and the beautiful letters that came with it just made the dress that much better. Plus the fact that its all helping children with cancer. I am amazed with the whole concept, I tell every single person I know who mentions anything about a wedding. And as I am engaged myself I am 100% sure that you WILL be seeing me there again.

–Lusea

Hi Helen! Your new website looks great!! Just wanted to say you’re one of the most kind-hearted people I know, and you only deserve the best! Keep in touch…

–Tammy

My name is Torrie and I purchased my beautiful dream wedding dress from The Brides’ Project almost exactly a year ago. The purchase is especially meaningful to me, as the day I purchased the gown I lost my very dear friend to breast cancer. My wedding dress is especially dear to me thanks to the meaningful service you provide. My perfect wedding was last September 15th, 2006 and it was everything that my husband and I wanted to begin our life together. Now, I would like to donate my gown back to the project, so hopefully another bride can enjoy it the way I did, and the support of the cancer charities you work with, can continue.

Just wanted to send a quick note…..I can’t thank you enough for all your help on Saturday afternoon.  The dress is perfect (and currently rolled in a tight little ball in my fiancé’s suitcase).  I’m so excited to show it to my Mom, I think she’ll love it.  I feel good knowing that the what it stands for isn’t straight up princess-diva material (though in some ways, it totally is!) but a want to support a cause that’s close to my heart and fulfilling of your goals for the store. Congrats, Helen, you’ve got a damn fine operation going on there!  I’ll be sure to talk it up here in Thunder Bay! Thanks again, I’ll be in touch with pictures once I have the dress altered.

–Katherine in Thunder Bay

WOW, that is all I can say..WOW. I am 100% impressed with your project. I lost my step dad to bone cancer over 1 year ago. I think this is THE most wonderful project you have. I m engaged, and of course, on a budget. After going through your site, I saw about 10 dresses that I LOVED. Especially the ones from your favorite designer!!! I will definitely be making a trip to Toronto ( I am in Ottawa) when it comes time to purchase my dress!! Keep up the wonderful work, you truly are an angel.

–Jenn in Ottawa

Words can’t express how truly blessed we are to have such a caring, selfless, compassionate individual in our presence. Seeing your new shop and understanding the countless hours you dedicate to this worthy cause is extremely admirable. While I feel fortunate that I have not know anyone struck with childhood cancer in my family, I know of the devastating effects it has on a family when an adult passes away from this disease. How wonderful that you are enriching the lives of ‘little ones’ battling something so scary. On a happier note, I thank you for the beautiful dress I purchased through the Brides’ Project…the experience was memorable.

Through assistance from Pearl with alterations, I know that I wore the most perfect gown on my wedding day. Not only were guests shocked at how stunning the gown looked, I was able to enjoy every moment, knowing that I was able to stick to my budget, while helping others at the same time. Thank you Helen, for enabling us to be connected.

I recently came across the Bride’s Project website and was so very moved by it. Raising funds for children’s cancer camps is a cause very near to my heart. My fiancé and I lost our six year son on August 29, 2005 after a very brief and short battle with Medulloblastoma (a form of brain cancer). The Camp staff from Camp Oochigeas played a big part in our lives during our frequent and sometime long stays and Sick Kids. They allowed Matthew to remain a child and have fun while he was under going treatment. Matthew was very ill while getting treatment and couldn’t leave his room often; the camp staff would come to him and stay with him. They did crafts, sung songs and played games. He was able to forget how horrible everything was and laugh and smile. I can’t put in words how much it meant to all us, Matthew, Jeff and I. I was so happy to see that people do truly care for these children, because to be honest with you while you are going through it all you can sometimes feel alone.

Hi Helen, I just wanted to tell you that the veil is exactly as I had pictured my veil would be. Its beautiful! It was also so much cheaper than I had seen veils at the bridal stores near me. For a plain veil they would want over $100!, so this really helped me stick to my budget and get exactly what I had always wanted. If there’s a spot on your website I can put a review I’d be glad to write one. Thanks so much for everything! I can’t wait to wear it!

Dear Helen, It was a pleasure to finally meet you today. Thank you for taking the time to give Robert and me a tour of your lovely (“mini Casa Loma”) home. More importantly, it gave us a chance to see all your wonderful creations…you are so talented. You are a truly unique individual.You give so much of yourself to Brides and to the children who need someone like you to put a smile on their face. What goes around,comes around. God Bless You.

–Zara & Robert Furlonger

p.s. have you started doing the “Bunny Hop” (hahaha)

I am a bit frustrated that my dress doesn’t quite fit properly. Ermm Oooops sorry wrong site,lol! Kidding, Hi Helen I never realized how much you give of your time to sick kids, etc, you are a very kind soul God Bless you too.

I’m so glad that (my dress) arrived – may it bring as much happiness to someone as it brought to me!

Best of luck with your endeavors. Your kind heart has obviously made a difference to many, many people!

–Tracy DeWitt

I can’t begin to express to you how happy you made me. Helen, you were such a delightful person to speak too and I love the fact that you treat each individual as a friend and not just a client. I love the gown and veil that I got from you. I could of never had my dream dress if it wasn’t for you and what you are doing for those beautiful children. You are truly an inspiration to all woman around the world. May God bless you abundantly and keep you in his kingdom for eternity. Thank You!

Helen I just want to thank you for everything you have done for my best friend Robyn! Seeing her light up like a christmas tree when she saw herself for the first time in that gown, I swear was made for her, was a moment I will never forget and will cherish for the rest of my life! Helen you were so kind and wonderful! You made us feel instantly welcome and at home! We enjoyed our experience and found treasure in every room! Thank you for all your help!

–Jacqueline

I do simply love the veil. It’s beautiful! I sent the pictures to my maid of honour and printed them out for my mom already. Considering I wear it all day, you’ve contributed more than just a little part to make my day wonderful. You’ve also bolstered my belief in weddings being a happy and altruistic endeavour. Instead of the potential money pit where you are taken advantage of by various members of the bridal industry. Needless to say that after months of planning, I’ve come across my fair share of being taken advantage of with exorbitant pricing since the word “wedding” is attached to the item. Thank you so much for being so different than many people I have dealt with! Thank you so much for your time and talent!

–Darcy

Helen made me the perfect veil that took my wedding look from wow to WOOOOWWWWWWW!!!!!! Helen is a very special person, I too have lost very special people to cancer and am glad to have been able to purchase my veil from the Bride’s Project. The quality is exceptional and it’s everything I hoped for and more.

I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me especially when my hopes where at their worst. Not only did you help me find my dress but add ons of lace as well to match my wedding theme. Your kindness and support is so wonderful and I’m so glad you do what you do. Thank you for not only helping me with my gown but for also making it loads of fun. Wishing you the very best! Oh and happy anniversary!

Thanks so much for sending the gown Helen! I am so excited. You definitely make a huge difference. I would be wearing I don’t know what without you. I searched everywhere before finding you, always cross referencing the dress manufacturers with responsibleshopper.org and such trying to find out if the dress I was going to spend so much on would be fueling cultural destruction, takeovers of third world nations, discrimination, destruction of our environment or child labor. What a HUGE GIFT to be able to buy a beautiful dress and actually make the world a better place at the same time!! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to know I can walk down the aisle not only feeling beautiful, but feeling like a whole person, not divided by the day when I marry the man I love but really more the person I want to be. It is your Bride’s Project that is making that possible, and I can’t thank you enough.

–Missoula, MT

I am currently residing in GA, USA and out of boredness I was just browsing websites and found this. Although, i’m in a wonderful relationship, i’m not getting married anytime soon. I just wanted to say though that your site is amazing & it really makes me happy to know that one day when i do get married… i’ll definitely be sure to check the brides project first. I don’t have very much money, and I imagine many other women do not either. So thanks for being an inspiration. I really hope once i’m done with the university (1 year left) i’ll find a worthwhile cause like this to start. Thanks for giving me some inspiration…

PS: I found my dream wedding dress on here in the size 4 section, with the tying corset/flowers in the back, too bad i cant get it now but its beautiful.

Thanks for everything Helen. At your place I found not only the perfect wedding gown and veil, but also the perfect atmosphere, you made it a lot of fun, and also a relaxing experience, how many brides to be can say that about their wedding gown shopping experience?. I also keep checking your website on a regular basis, not only for the new stuff that you bring in, but also because I like to read your witty comments that make me laugh out loud, you’re a riot!!

What can I say other than THANK YOU! Thank you for the perfect wedding gown, for the beautiful compliments (in person, in displaying my dress on your site, in complementing me as I modeled another on your site… really, you’re TOO sweet, if there is such a thing!). Thank you for making buying my gown such a FUN experience! I laughed, I cried (only tears of joy)… it was great!

I can’t commend you enough for the wonderful thing you’re doing here. Thank you for including me in your great dream, and for not only finding me my PERFECT gown, but for also making me feel good about buying it!

I lost a dear friend to cancer soon after the wedding, (in fact the wedding was the last time I saw her). Donating my gown makes me feel like perhaps I have helped make a difference. May the special girl that wears my gown have nothing but health and happiness in her future!

Helen you are STELLAR!! Your customer service goes above and beyond! My “BRIDE” hoody is so great, it is exactly what I had imagined. I am definitely going to use your services again in the future!

I too have lost special people to cancer and this is a wonderfully unique way I can help.

Hi everyone I have to say that not only did I get the beautiful touch-up shoes (that would have cost be about $100 in the store!) I wanted for the wedding but the money I donated to get them is going to a good cause! This is a really awesome way to get the wedding stuff you need with a great outcome for both sides! I would highly recommend getting your wedding items this way and I hope to have some items to donate down the road!

Helen, How wonderful you are. I really hope you succeed at this. My  wedding is still a year away but I would like to donate as much as I can afterwards. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 8 months ago and had to have a hysterectomy 7 months ago. I’ve finished my treatment now. Words cannot express how close your cause is to my heart.

My four best friends are getting married this year and are planning on donating some stuff when the weddings are over.

I would just like to also say what a worthwhile organization I think this is. I read about it a [while] ago (after already purchasing my gown) Although I didn’t get my gown through them, I will seriously be considering donating it at some point. I’ll definitely check out the website for things I’m still looking for.

I too have lost special people to cancer and this is a wonderfully unique way I can help. I am so happy I was able to donate my old gown to you and the site looks awesome. “Brides’ Project” is definitely the way to go!

Ladies – please dig deep and think about this – doesn’t have to be your gown, can be anything! And for those looking for things, look here first! You’ll get it cheap, and feel good about it! I know I did!

I just realized that I have something to offer already even though my wedding isn’t until 2006! I thought at first I would have to wait but I’m excited now that I don’t. I have a plume pen available. We lost my Dad to cancer back in 2001 so the wonderful thing you are doing is very close to my heart!

Thank goodness that somebody started this! I had seen an episode of “Oprah” a few years back and they had featured a store where brides could donate their gowns, for discounted purchase, with the proceeds going to breast cancer research. My only wish at the time was that there was a Canadian counterpart, or similar endeavour to this worthy effort, and here you are.

Hi there, first of all, let me congratulate you and applaud your efforts with this organization- I think it is truly fantastic! My mother and father have both survived surgeries to remove cancer in the past 5 years, and being a teacher and former camp counselor, I was very touched by the story that was recently done on your organization on CityTV.

I got married 4 years ago (2000) in May.  Prior to that we found out that my mother had cancer. My husband and I planned our wedding for October of 2000 but in the early spring of 2000 the doctors told us that she probably wouldn’t make it that long. I had already purchased my “dream dress” but since we ended up planning our wedding in 6 weeks, I didn’t have time to get my dress altered and ended up buying another dress that fit. As it turned out my mother actually passed away at 1am the day I was to get married in May. We decided to continue with the wedding so that we could inform family and we lit a candle in her memory. I saw your special on City Pulse and found that due to my circumstances this was such a fitting way to support cancer charities and a way to get rid of my dress. I looked into consignment but that didn’t really suit my needs.

I was watching Citypulse news the other night and saw the story on your project that you have created for sick kids, I was very touched and inspired by your story. I got married a little over three years ago and I have a beautiful wedding gown and veil that I would like to donate to you… keep up the good work!

I would just like to say I have been to the office a few times to buy some items and I was amazed at what I saw. It looks just like a bridal salon it has everything you need from the something blue to the gown and veils. Girls I must say I looked at the dresses and they are really pretty I know if there is anything I need from now to my wedding day I will be checking with Helen first.. P.S. I will have stuff to give afterwards as well.. Congrats on a job well done it looks great! Keep up the hard work!!

Thanks a million Helen, I did like you said and put my dress on and walked around the house for a while in it! I LOVE it. Ladies if any of you are still in need of a dress I highly recommend going to visit Helen, she is a wonderful person doing a wonderful thing!

I am excited about these bouquets because your bouquets are gorgeous but also after losing my uncle last year to cancer at the young age of 50, my maid of honour also lost her mom to cancer a few years ago, the cause is dear to my heart no doubt. I would love to help with having all the bouquets and flowers done, I can make a bigger contribution than I would normally be able to.

Considering how commercial weddings have become, it is so refreshing to know that I can turn my wedding into an opportunity to give. I will buy all I can from your stock, and donate it back at the end, knowing that I have given double towards curing cancer.

This is a awesome idea. I am getting married next summer and would love to donate my dress and things to such a worthy cause and let it benefit so many other people. My fiance’s father is a survivor of cancer and I think it would be nice to do. I lost a very close friend and the age of 25 to cancer. Just newly married… Keep up these wonderful efforts. We need more people like you… angels from heaven. I think you should open more stores across Canada…. It would raise a lot of money for  the cancer research…. great idea…. May God Bless you and your worthy cause…

After watching my Dad, Aubrey Jarvis, struggle and finally lose to his Cancer back in 2001, I certainly wouldn’t wish this feeling on anyone. To not have my Dad see me in my wedding dress, walk me down the aisle, or to have the expected father/daughter dance is hard to think of and plan around. I have tried to think of different ways to remember him on my wedding day but, at this point, I haven’t decided yet.

This disease certainly doesn’t stop at the patient. It spreads through the families, the friends and through our lives for years to come. This disease permeates, attaches itself and doesn’t let go – through all those around it. I’m certain this disease at one point or another has touched you. Unfortunately, that’s what the statistics tell us.

Even though my Dad won’t be at my wedding, I hope this small donation will help towards your special day and help to keep you and other loved ones with us by beating Cancer. Every donation brings us that little step closer.

From Peter Hamley, whose wife is a breast cancer survivor:

May the wearer of this dress have many years of health, happiness and togetherness. Finding the right person is a gift from God, treasure it.

I’ve lost so many dear and wonderful people to cancer, but also know that it can be overcome. I just found out that my sister-in-law was diagnosed, and it broke my heart. I can’t bear the thought of losing more people to this disease, and founded this Project in June to make a difference . It’s been a lifelong dream… and you’ve all helped make it a reality. I now know that she can become a survivor, and I hope that I can offer anything possible to help her and my brother go through this difficult time and emerge with a new lease on life.

–Helen Sweet, Owner, The Brides’ Project

We are on a very tight budget for our wedding and I was glad to see that my money will be going to people who really need it! I have a beautiful veil and headpiece that saved me almost $500…money to kids…in particular those afflicted with cancer…THAT is money well spent! Helen, you are fantastic!!

I have only begun to plan my wedding and will certainly get my dress from here…then donate it back so you can make money twice! I love the idea of being able to help put a smile on the face of someone I do not know because so many people will be smiling on my special day! Thanks!!!!

I have to say that I think what you’re doing is incredibly inspirational…a perfect example of how 1 person really can make the world just a little bit better.

Wow what a great idea. I will be coming to you in the near future for my own dress.