The House of Hospice

Cute kids: Max and Romie Roseman modelling the latest winter kids-wear from the Hospice Tairawhiti shop.

THERE was high excitement behind the scenes at the Hospice Tairawhiti shop this week as manager Brenda Kinder marshalled her models and make-up artist Juana Vincent put last minute touches to lipstick and blusher. The event was the shop’s twice-yearly fashion parade, a sell-out soirée where guests jostled for the front row to watch the models sashay their way up and down the ‘catwalk’ wearing the latest outfits.

Brenda had selected the garments from among the racks and racks of clothing donated by members of the public including some top labels such as Ashley Fogel and Helen Cherry.

“We had 36 models aged from five to 70ish, including seven men and four boys,” says Brenda who has run many a fashion show in her 15 years of retail.

“The winter collection featured pyjamas, onesies, jeans, check shirts, winter coats, long boots, skinny jeans, chunky knitwear, beanies, scarves, handbags and gloves.

“Each model wore three outfits and then they all appeared in the finale in PJs and onesies so that’s four changes of clothes each.

“It was pretty hectic out the back of the shop where 15 Hospice Tairawhiti volunteers helped with the dressing as well as serving fruit punch and nibbles.

A huge success“The show was a huge success, the highlight being the extreme cuteness factor of the kids.

“We had 11 young models, including four boys, aged from five to 14. Their audience appeal was beyond all the adults combined as they paraded like true professionals in denim jackets, winter coats, brightly coloured scarves, stockings and beanies.”

MC Brenda kept up a lively commentary as she introduced each outfit, saving the most ribbing for her son and husband who were roped into modelling.

“It was a sell-out well before the doors opened at 6pm,” says Brenda.

“We sold 80 tickets and had 25 door sales so the numbers were well up on last year’s event. We are very happy with the outcome. It’s all about letting people know what we have to offer in the shop.

“The calibre of the stock here is overwhelming. We get such amazing donations and public support, it’s just fabulous and very humbling.

“Hospice Tairawhiti has touched lots of people in this community so many have had a personal experience and a connection with the organisation.

Saying thank you“People really seem to want to thank the staff and give back to an organisation that’s helped them and their families.”

The shop has been operating for two and a half years now and is performing well above expectations, says Brenda. They not only stock clothes and shoes but also homewares, books, linen, furniture, cutlery and crockery.

There’s also a special cabinet full of expensive Royal Albert and other fine china, all donated.

“Judging from the glowing feedback I’ve received, people say it was an excellent show with brilliant models, great clothes, delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere.”

• All funds raised in the shop go towards providing hospice services in the Tairawhiti region.

• Brenda thanked Juana Vincent from The Beauty Depot for doing the makeup for free, the staff from Bramwells’ Pharmacy who modelled, and her 58 “fabulous” volunteers who man the shop from 10am-4pm, six days a week.