Fashion in vogue for charity fundraisers

Gone are the days of raffles and sausage sizzles. For some organisations trying to attract money, fashion has become the new vogue.

Three fashion shows are lined up to take place during the next few weeks to raise money for worthy causes.

Tonight the sold-out Indulge Bay Model in association with Repertoire takes place, with all proceeds going to Newspapers in Education (NIE) - a reading initiative designed to increase literacy and engage young people with media.

On Saturday, the Breast Cancer Support Service (BCSS) holds its third annual Proudly Pink Fashion Show, with proceeds going to the independent local organisation, which is not funded by the Government.

On October 27, The Breast Cancer High Tea will be held at Papamoa, with a fashion parade put on by Betty Munroe, to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Trust.

Earlier this month a fashion show, 50 Shades of Pink, also designed to raise money for the Breast Cancer Support Service, was cancelled due to low ticket numbers.

BCSS chairperson Fiona McAllister said the Proudly Pink Fashion Show was something fun that they had done for three years and fashion was a great way of appealing to women.

A special touch to the show was that most models taking part were survivors of breast cancer.

"Unfortunately, when we came up with the date at the beginning of the year we didn't realise there would be others around the same time," Ms McAllister said.

NIE promotions co-ordinator Dayna Comeskey said the popularity of the Indulge Bay Model show was a "fantastic outcome" for the not-for-profit Newspapers in Education programme. "Events, like Indulge Bay Model, are great fundraisers as they offer the community a way to show their support while also enjoying a night out," Ms Comeskey said.

"Without the incredible support from Repertoire, our key sponsor, the models and other local supporters this fundraiser would not have been possible. Sometimes it's the smallest offer of help that can make all the difference when organising these events. We are grateful for all of the help we've received from the local community."

The Breast Cancer High Tea next month will feature a fashion show and also celebrity Shane Cortese, who has his own story to share.

The Indulge Bay Model will be held at Farmer Autovillage on Hewletts Rd at 6pm Friday.

The Proudly Pink Fashion Show will be held at Bethelehem Town Centre at 2pm and 5pm Saturday. More information and tickets are available from www.breastcancerbop.org.nz

The Breast Cancer High Tea will be held at a Papamoa beachfront property with tickets on sale from October 1.