Following in the footsteps of Gowns for Grads, Suit Up Winnipeg wants to help graduates look their best on their big day, and for years after.

Grade 12 graduation is a big day for students, often used as the official transition into adulthood. But after taking the females in her class grad dress shopping at Gowns for Grads, Dana Binder realized that there wasn't anything out there for guys.

"I've got to get something started for my male students who cannot afford to go and get a suit," Binder explained.

Gowns for Grads offers free dresses to students who can't afford it otherwise. Suit Up Winnipeg started six years ago to offer free suits to students, either male or female, who can't afford to purchase one for their big day.

"The nice thing is that they can wear this suit after to a job interview or a wedding," Binder said. "It gives them confidence to know it's not just something they can wear one time."

Binder says when she started this program, one of her mature students was able to get a suit for graduation, and then wore it to his wedding in the summer.

"And now he doesn't have to worry about that extra added expense," Binder smiled.

Binder says most of the guys who come aren't fully aware of the program and are in complete awe when they are told that the suit is theirs. She says they leave with their mouth hanging.

"They are just over the moon."

Binder has been gathering donations from a number of places, including a Winnipeg Jets player who donated his suit, but she always needs more. The program started with her school and has since grown to a Manitoba-wide endeavour. Suit Up Winnipeg is looking for a permanent place to set up, but for now, Binder says they will just continue to suit up graduates who need it and create memories with grade 12 students across Manitoba.

"It brings me such joy to see the look on their faces when they find that outfit."