After the Salvation Army came up short in its Christmas Kettle fundraising campaign, the charitable organization had to get creative.
What it came up with is a fashion show with a twist.
Models don’t need to audition but there is one condition.
Everything they wear must come from one of the two local Salvation Army thrift stores.
“We like to do events so people remember we’re here but we want to encourage people to shop at the thrift store,” said local Salvation Army Cpt. Gord Taylor. “It’s a reminder to the community that we’re here. Usually the attention is on us at Christmas but we want to do a couple of events throughout the year. The reality of our Christmas fundraising this year is we fell short of our goal and we’re hoping to raise money through admission (to the fashion show) and a silent auction.”
The Salvation Army raised around $125,000 through its kettle campaign last Christmas, which was well short of its goal of $200,000 – the amount needed to continue to operate its community services.
Those programs include: the Lighthouse soup kitchen on Cedar Street, vouchers for clothing and household assistance, the emergency food pantry which works as a supplement to the food bank, the Lighthouse Resource Centre which is used by various community groups such as the 12-step addiction program, and emergency and disaster response as needed.
Taylor said the Salvation Army hopes to get people involved and excited about its latest project.
Models can sign up for the fashion show by picking up a registration form at the New Beginnings Boutique thrift store on the Island Highway in Willow Point or at the Family Thrift Store on Homewood and paying a $5 registration fee. Models have until the day before the fashion show to sign up. Prizes will be awarded for best and most creative outfits.
The fashion show, as well as a silent auction, takes place Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army’s Ocean Crest Community Church (291 McLean St.). Admission to the fashion show is $10.