15 March 2017
#BoldforChange – Mothers’ Union putting Fashion @Heart of the Community in Kent
On 22nd April 2017 between 11.30 and 3pm a new kind of community event is happening. Mums from across the Isle of Thanet have come together to link a passion for fashion to a desire to promote positive collaboration and fun.
Community groups, serving the Isle of Thanet’s Communities from ages 0-99 are coming together within a fashion extravaganza hosted by Mothers’ Union and held at St George’s Foundation School. Partners for this ‘catwalk’ event with a twist will be showcasing a wealth of 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.
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). We will also be donating any clothes that aren’t sold to Oasis, a local charity that supports victims of domestic violence and their families. This reflects a key Mothers' Union aim of ending violence against women and girls.
The event itself offers an afternoon of fashion, fun and entertainment. A range of preloved clothes will be available to buy and ticketholders will be able to purchase locally made crafts and jewellery from a select range of stalls. A Kiddies corner will offer some great children’s activities. To add a competitive element, a select panel of judges will decide on category winners, including best individual model and best group performance.
Says Madeleine, Mothers’ Union member and event co-ordinator;
“We are so excited by Fashion @ the Heart of the Community. From the very early planning stages we have been overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm in response to our requests. For example, thanks to very practical support from the venue St George’s Church of England Foundation School in Broadstairs and funding support from Pfizers, Frank Thorley and the Diocesan Seed Corn Trust we know we have been able to bring the cost of ticket prices down to £1 per adult, creating real accessibility for everyone. We are now delighted to be at the next stage, letting the wider community know how they can be involved by buying tickets and donating clothes.”
The panel of judges include East Kent College Thanet Campus principle, Paul Manning, Cllr Iris Johnson and global Mothers’ Union CEO, Beverly Jullien. Says Beverly;
“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.”
How to get involved:
Buy Tickets
Tickets are available either through the partner organisations mentioned above or at Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s Avenue Margate CT9 3TN (Reception). Telephone 01843 221864.
£1 per pre-bought adult ticket with Children at just 50p (£2 on the door – children £1 on the door on the day).
Donate Clothes
Clothes can be donated through the partner organisations. Alternatively, tickets can be bought and clothes donated through Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s Avenue Margate CT9 3TN (Reception). Telephone 01843 221864
Donate Money
We would also be delighted to receive further funding donations to support the event and AFIA holidays for families. Any monetary contribution, no matter help small, will be put to extremely good use.
Printed information:
Journalists can find Leaflets, and clothes guidance leaflets here or access to all materials on our Facebook page - @thanetfashioncommunity. Twitter: @MUthanet / @thanetfashion
For more information, including interviews with MU leadership, young mums or partner organisations, please contact madeleinefwhite@hotmail.com , 07904 835 188