Clothing sale to support refuge

A group of students who last year raised more than $66,000 are again encouraging the Dunedin community to support a good cause in style.

The annual designer clothing sale in support of Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge will be held this Saturday.

Co-organiser Rebecca Bridgman said the sale, run by a University of Otago student group, would be the second of five events they were holding to raise funds for the refuge.

It did important work supporting women and families who were victims of domestic violence, she said.

"Volunteering for this makes you remember that as a student community, we are part of the wider Ōtepoti community, and this is a really good way to be able to give back."

Talking to those running the refuge, they also discovered students were among those who used their services.

University of Otago students (from left) Rebecca Bridgman, Rosie Joyce, and Julia Newman look...
University of Otago students (from left) Rebecca Bridgman, Rosie Joyce, and Julia Newman look over donations as they prepare for Saturday’s designer clothing sale in support of Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
"They do incredible work through all levels of society."

Last year the clothing sale raised over $21,000, and overall the students’ fundraising efforts raised over $66,000.

It was an impressive amount, and it would be amazing if they had a similar result this year, she said.

A student pub quiz held yesterday was the first of the five fundraising events, but the clothing sale was the first big, public event.

Many "amazing" stores and brands had pitched in to support the sale.

The sale would be held from 10am until 3pm on Saturday at 343 George St.

fiona.ellis@odt.co.nz