The charity shop recently opened in Taradale and manager Carolyn Pugh says they have had a fantastic response "from our wonderful community".
"Our shop is not an op shop, it's a charity retail business. The difference is that everything in our store is top quality. It looks like any other fashion shop. We offer fashion labels at very affordable prices. We wanted to do something different to launch the shop so decided on Spring N Style which will be a runway show with with all the designer clothing for sale.
"We are planning on making this an annual event - something people write on their calendars and look forward to."
She says the event is the result of a huge effort by lots of people including Laura Jeffares, Sarah Zonneveld and Candice Sanson. The evening will include entertainment by Eilish Rose and an auction of artwork by Christie Wright.
There will be eight models and some hairdressing students from EIT have offered to help with hair. The event will help raise money for the Napier Family Centre which is only partly government funded.
"Every cent we make from this event and from the charity shop goes back into our community. We are not top heavy, everyone works on the ground. The shop is run by volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 80.
"Some of the money raised will go toward counselling fees. There has been a massive increase in the need for counselling recently. We do a lot of work with children around mental health and trauma.
"Our aim is to keep families together. However, synthetic drugs and poverty are having a huge effect on the children in our community and it's not just a certain sector of the community. It means we have to work even harder to keep families together.
"It breaks my heart to see children as young as 8 needing counselling because they are depressed. This usually comes out as bad behaviour because 8-year-olds don't know how to express themselves."
Carolyn is a strong believer in community and has history in charity retail. "I get a massive sense of satisfaction knowing the money we raise is helping people in our community."
However, she says they have to be mindful that "we are competing against other stores.
"We can't be greedy and we have to make sure we present everything in excellent condition. People who donate their treasures can be sure that we will treat them with respect and that the money we get for their items is going to help someone. That's a pretty good deal for everyone."
The Napier Family Centre was set up 30 years ago by local churches. Today it offers among other things couple counselling, budgeting advice, child education and "we do a lot of works with families".
The evening will be split into two segments: How to dress for your shape and How to accessories (with scarves, jewellery, etc).
*The charity shop is at 301 Gloucester St, Taradale. It is looking for quality donations. The charity shop is also asking for donations of corporate wear ahead of a new initiative called Working Wardrobe which will help women going back into the workforce.
*The Napier Family Centre is at the cnr 112 Morris Spence Ave and Wycliffe St and welcomes donations.
*Spring N Style
September 27
Taradale Town Hall
Tickets $20, includes wine, nibbles and entertainment. Buy tickets from The Napier Family Centre Charity Shop, 301 Gloucester St, Taradale, or online from Napier Family Centre, napierfamilycentre.org.nz
