Handbag auction for a good cause

Dress for Success board president Michelle Pleydell with some of the designer handbags on offer for Handbag Heaven. Photo / Andrew Warner

Good quality and designer handbags will be up for grabs to raise money for Dress for Success Rotorua.

A live and silent auction will be held next month at Handbag Heaven, a charity fundraiser event for the organisation that helps women and men get into the workforce by providing them with appropriate job interview clothing, work clothing and advice.

"We get donated pre-loved, designer and celebrity handbags - Dame Malvina Major has sent a bag in the past, Jo Seager and designers Trelise Cooper and Tasman Cooper," Dress For Success board president Michelle Pleydell said.

Handbag Heaven will be held at the Princes Gate Boutique Hotel and the theme will be vintage. Those attending are encouraged to make their own fascinator to wear, with a prize for the best headpiece.

"The money will specifically go to our programme.

"Someone is referred to us for a job interview and we work on CV writing, presentation skills and fully outfit them - which includes shoes and jewellery," Ms Pleydell said.

"We work with Elliott Hairdressing Training Centre and The Clothing Clinic for alterations and send them to their jobs."

Those successful in gaining employment are then provided with another work outfit and are offered advice on financial literacy, re-orientation in the workplace, balancing children with work and personal development.

"We would have about 100-120 come through a year and we're looking to expand to Tauranga. We run the whole of the Bay of Plenty Region," Ms Pleydell said.

Dress for Success is self-funded but does get some financial assistance from Lottery grants, the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and First Sovereign Trust.

Handbag Heaven will be held on November 12 at Princes Gate Boutique Hotel from 5.15pm. Tickets are $25.

• Tickets can be purchased from Dress for Success on Tutanekai St. For further information, phone (07) 348 3660.