Friends look to fashion to raise funds

A Dunedin community’s fashionable efforts to raise funds for victims of Cyclone Gabrielle has been "truly phenomenal", co-organiser Kate Lilley says.

Ms Lilley is one of six friends who have banded together to hold a fundraiser for victims of Cyclone Gabrielle.

"We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of donations and the generosity of people," she said.

For only a gold coin donation, visitors to the Kaikorai Rugby Club next Sunday can peruse a range of donated clothes ranging from $20 to $100 as well as higher-priced pieces.

The selection includes second-hand clothing and luxury fashion garments, as well as designer labels including Carlson, Trelise Cooper, Charmaine Reveley, Mild Red and Calvin Klein.

Forty prizes have been donated for a raffle by local businesses which include accommodation at Airbnbs, weekend car hires and vouchers from local cafes and restaurants.

Ms Lilley said she had organised a couple of fundraisers in the past, but nothing to the extent of this.

"My garage at home is absolutely full."

Her daughter could not even get through the front door at home due to the volume of donated clothes.

Ms Lilley was amazed by the scale the event had reached, having heard from at least 70 donors so far.

Her group of friends was well connected and used social media and word of mouth to advertise the event.

The Facebook event page for the fundraiser had close to 700 people interested.

Ms Lilley said the connectedness of her community was essential for spreading the word about the fundraiser.

She said it was important to always remember the village you belonged to and to tap into that community spirit and togetherness.

Cyclone Gabrielle was the catalyst for her village of close friends to join forces and make a difference, she said.

"Last Friday, the images coming from the North Island were so unfathomable."

She and her co-organisers were heartbroken by the effects of the cyclone and wanted to do their part to help.

"We’ve got an amazing community and the fact that people care so deeply and want to do something they can do to help."

Ms Lilley said the fundraiser also raised awareness for sustainability and recycled clothing, two things she was passionate about.

The fundraiser is being held at the Kaikorai Rugby Club, on Sunday, March 5, from 11am to 4.30pm.

All proceeds and unsold clothing will be donated to the Red Cross.