Pre-loved fashion a fundraiser for Waipuna Hospice

Wendy Robertson charity luncheon attendees to bring along a piece of clothing to donate for Waipuna Hospice but anyone can donate to Flair for Care. Photo/Andrew Warner

We're all guilty of it.

In the depths of our wardrobes, there's always one or two dresses staring back at us, lonely and untouched.

Some of those items may never have seen the light of day. Some may still have tags on them.

There are all sorts of reasons why stunning dresses and other quality items hang dormant in closets for years — you may have worn them once or twice and never likely to wear again, they may be too big or too small for you now, it may have looked better under shop lights, or you may have simply made a fashion faux pas.

Wouldn't it be nice to give your forgotten clothing to a new home?

The Ladies Charity Luncheon in June is providing this opportunity.

Organisers Wendy Robertson and Leona Smith are encouraging attendees this year to bring along an outfit in good condition to be sold at Flair for Care — Designer Wear sale, a big fundraiser sale for Waipuna Hospice at the end of June.

"Everyone has those amazing stunning outfits that they've worn once or twice, but not likely to ever wear again, or they might not love something like they first thought they would," says Wendy. "We want to give them the opportunity to pass these gorgeous outfits on to someone else and in doing so help to raise money for Waipuna Hospice."

Outfits will be collected at the door on the day of the luncheon. It could be a dress or other outfit, shoes or handbag.

People not attending the luncheon but who would like to donate can drop-off at Waipuna Hospice store at 271 Fraser St or at the depot at Unit I, 4 Brook St. People donating an outfit on the day of the lunch will go in the draw to win a bottle of champagne.

■Ladies Charity Luncheon on Friday, June 8 at ASB Arena, tickets via Eventfinda. Raising funds for Tauranga Waipuna Hospice and Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service.
■Flair for Care — Designer Wear sale is on June 29 at Waipuna Hospice Papamoa Charity Shop, 157 Domain Rd from 5.30pm (sale at 6.30pm).

Ladies Charity Luncheon
All the things women love will be in abundance at the Ladies Charity Luncheon including food, wine, fun auctions and of course, fashion.

One of the highlights of the day will be the fashion show. Six local stores are participating including Wendy's Boutique (latest Trelise Cooper collection), Augustine, Evolution Clothing, Bettie Monroe, Bond & Co (business and formal suits) and Repertoire.

The stores will be showcasing their latest spring collections with each showing about six items.

The Indulge In Fashion show was amazing last year, says organiser Wendy Robertson.

"We are brimming with things that will appeal to women at the luncheon. What goes well with food, wine, inspiring speakers, great auctions and prizes galore — fashion!"

The Ladies Charity Luncheon is back by popular demand encouraging women (friends, family, work colleagues or business associates) to take time out for themselves.

"As women we don't do enough for ourselves really," says Wendy.

"We are always busy doing things for other people so this event is put on by women, for women, so you can spoil yourself for a day while raising money for two worthy charities."

The two charities are Waipuna Hospice and Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service. A table of 10 costs $1350.

The night includes bubbly on arrival, three course meal, entertainment, a fashion parade featuring top local fashion houses, charity auction and band.

MC-ing the event is Matilda Rice from The Bachelor NZ fame. Guest speakers are actress Miriama Smith (Xena: Warrior Princess, Shortland St, The Tribe, Filthy Rich and 800 Words) and television personality and cosmetician Suzy Heazlewood.