Gin & Chic fashion event to promote sustainability
The annual Gin & Chic Ladies Fashion Event run by Tullamore Women’s Shed and Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service (ODVSS) promises an afternoon of fashion and fun later this month in Tullamore.
The event will promote sustainability with two charity shops taking part and it will take place on Sunday, April 28, starting at 2pm in the Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore.
Gin & Chic will raise some much needed funds to support Tullamore Women's Shed along with the counselling service run by ODVSS. Tullamore fashion retailers Sally West, My Fair Lady and Avant boutique will all display some stunning fashion on the day along with charity shops Offaly Hospice and Power for Good.
Manager of ODVSS, Anne Clarke, said that the event is a “great afternoon of fun and fashion” and there will be five different fashion shows on the day.
“They're women of all shapes and sizes so it's real women wearing the clothes so you can relate to whether something suits you or not,” said Ms Clarke.
A number of local businesses run by women will also be represented on the day by reflexologists, a milliner, a cake decorator along with women that produce various arts, crafts and jewellery. Tullamore Women's Shed will also showcase some of their crafts.
Entertainment will be catered for with a DJ and attendees will receive a complimentary gin or mocktail.
There will be lots of spot prizes along with prizes for best dressed lady and best dressed mother and daughter, sponsored by Leahy Auctioneers.
The first 50 ladies in the door will receive gift bags. Light refreshments will also be served.
To promote sustainability, two charity shops will take part in this year's fashion show. Ms Clarke explained: “Everything doesn't have to be bought brand new so we have two charity shops getting involved this year with it.” Every half an hour there will be a mini fashion show.
The Manager of ODVSS said that they like to partner with the local women's shed as the event is all about promoting women's wellbeing and promoting women in a very safe environment.
Ms Clarke added that the service has noticed a huge increase in the numbers of women looking for support since last year. “The complexity of the nature of the support women need has increased a lot more.”
Chair of the Tullamore Women's Shed, Olive Davis, said that last year's fashion show was “brilliant.” She added that they are always looking for new ways to fundraise and and that the event is a “great idea” which affords women the opportunity to get “dolled up” for a day.
ODVSS provides an array of support to victims of domestic violence and abuse which include one to one support, court accompaniment, outreach support, helpline, text support line, support group, counselling, life coaching and career support, children’s therapeutic support, play therapy, training, and awareness, 24 hour monitored safety alarms, safety planning, ethnic minority community development project, and safe house support. Tullamore Women's Shed hold coffee mornings and a variety of workshops in crochet, meditation, mindfulness, first aid, health, nutrition, introduction to yoga, armchair yoga, creative writing, flower arranging and Indian head massage.
Tickets for the Gin & Chic fashion event cost €20 plus a booking fee.
A limited number of tickets for those who want to pay at the door will also be available but attendees must register in advance either by calling 057 9351796 or by emailing info@odvss.ie.