Fashion for charity event

Miss Deaf SA Shelley Buckle, left, joins models Charne Leafe, centre, and Nicole Chembayan in preparation for the Fashion for Charity Durban event at uMhlanga on September 8. Picture: Marilyn Bernard

Fashion, models, designers, entertainment and Shelley Buckle, Miss Deaf South Africa, are part of the line-up for Fashion For Charity, Durban’s (FFCD) annual benefit event in uMhlanga next month.

FFCD was started three years ago by a group of friends who wanted to make a difference, and has become a registered, non-profit organisation that raises funds for needy causes.

This year’s beneficiary will be two disadvantaged schools, and Buckle has been appointed brand ambassador for FFCD.

“After doing research, we found two schools that need assistance: the Kwavulindlebe School for the Deaf, which supports impoverished families with deaf and hearing-impaired children in the uMlazi and Chatsworth areas, and Brailsford Primary School in Phoenix,” says Verushen Appalsamy, secretary of FFCD. “At the Kwavulindlebe School, we hope to fit many of the learners with hearing aids for the first time.

“At Brailsford, we hope to supply at least five computers and a printer.

“Many students come from low income households and don’t know how to use a computer.”

Last year’s beneficiary was Action in Autism, and in 2010, the Ethelbert Children’s Home.

The main objective of FFCD is to raise awareness and help registered charitable organisations, as well as direct awareness and funding to projects that are targeted towards disadvantaged people and communities. FFCD directors are convinced this year’s event will be a success and children in the deaf community will benefit.

“It is also a platform for young designers,” says Verushen. “Models, hair and make-up are sponsored, so it is an opportunity for them to showcase their work without worrying about costs.”

On the ramp will be designs from Sibu Msimang, Lolavie Clothing, Daveydarling by Adheema Davis, Barbett Cortrelli, Cocktail Collection by Sanolia Naidoo, Spine by Thiran Moodley, Tamryn Culverwell, Country Road and Trenery.

* The Fashion for Charity Durban show will be held at Gateway Hotel on Saturday, September 8, at 6.30pm.

Entertainment will be by Rebel Entertainment, who will shoot their third music video, as well as Idols finalist Kyle Deutschmann. Sponsor Vitaminwater will provide refreshments and there is a ghd hamper to give away. An after party will be held at Coastlands uMhlanga.

Tickets for the show, from R150 to R250, are available from Sanolia Naidoo at 072 829 0887 or Verushen Appalsamy at 083 290 0371 or e-mail info@ffcd.co.za for tickets, details, sponsorship or donations. After party tickets at R100 are available via the same contact details. – Lifestyle Reporter

Credits:

Clothes: Shelley Buckle and Nicole Chembayan are dressed by Cocktail Collection by Sanolia Naidoo; Charne Leafe is dressed by Spine by Thiran Moodley.

Models: Chembayan and Leafe from Talent*d Creative Managements

Hair and makeup: Drama Queen Studios (Neil Ramautar)