Thanet community groups will host a huge fashion show in aid of struggling families

Mother's Union members planning for the show

Thanet community groups have joined forces to host a huge fashion show to raise funds for families suffering hardship.

The event will be held at St George’s School in Broadstairs on Saturday (April 22) between 11.30am and 3pm.

Members of Thanet groups aged 0-99 are coming together for the fashion extravaganza hosted by Mothers’ Union. Partners for the ‘catwalk’ event with a twist will be showcasing creative talent by fielding models and outfits that reflect their work and their membership.

Partners include the Broadstairs Town Shed, the Gap Community Project, East Kent College, Sea Scouts, Brownies and Wisewoods Dance School. Mothers’ Union members from across Kent and the South East will also be joining Saturday’s Fashion Fun.

Fundraiser

Fashion@Heart of the Community is aiming to raise £2500, helping to send local families, who are experiencing hardship, difficulties or stress, on an Away From It All holiday (AFIA). Any clothing not sold will be donated to Oasis, the isle charity that supports victims of domestic violence and their families. This reflects a key Mothers’ Union campaign of ending violence against women and girls.

A range of preloved clothes will be available to buy and ticketholders will be able to snap up locally made crafts and jewellery from a select range of stalls. Prices will range from £1 for shorts and t-shirts, to £8 for superb quality coats and suits. Vintage and designer clothing will also be available as will school and organisational uniforms.

A ‘Kiddies Corner’ will offer children’s activities.

A  panel of judges will decide on category winners, including best individual model and best group performance. The judges include East Kent College Thanet campus principal, Paul Manning, Cllr Iris Johnson and Beverly Jullien. Ramsgate Mayor, Councillor Trevor Shonk will also be supporting on the day, judging the children’s competition and drawing the prize raffle.

Bev Jullien has served as Mothers’ Union Global CEO over the last 18 months with her direction driving the support of families in over 80 countries with 4 million members worldwide.

She said: “I am so looking forward to coming down to the Isle of Thanet to meet the many representatives of the communities who are coming together for Fashion@the Heart of the Community.

“Over the last 140 years, Mothers’ Union has been putting Faith into Action globally. However, in order to be successful, we are dependent on innovation and action at local level. This is a great example of how local mums can come together to create a fundraising event that doesn’t just raise charitable funds but connects people from all walks of life.”

Support

 Madeleine White, Mothers’ Union member and event co-ordinator, added: “The quality of support we have received has been tremendous. The energy and enthusiasm of all our Mothers’ Union and partner volunteers has been second to none.

“This, linked to funding support from Pfizer, Frank Thorley and the Diocesan Seed Corn Trust, means we are staging an event that promises entertainment and bargains for all the family. Our raffle is also looking spectacular, with local businesses such as Ashley’s Jewellers, the Ramsgate Yacht Club and Hornby Hobbies donating hundreds of pounds worth of prizes.

“Additional support has come from Mothers’ Union branches across Kent who have created some wonderful hampers. With music from Thanet college, modelling performances with a twist and fun galore and we know that the place to be on Saturday 22nd April will be St George’s Foundation School in Broadstairs!”

Tickets

Entry to the event is  £2 (children £1) and can be paid on the door on the day. There are also still some tickets available for pre-purchase (£1 adult  ticket and children at 50p) at Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s Avenue Margate CT9 3TN (Reception). Telephone 01843 221864.