When a small-business owner drove by St. Vincent De Paul's during lunch hour on a particularly cold and rainy day, she saw the long line up of people in need who were most definitely underdressed for the weather.
Jacquie Clarke of Butterfly Threads decided right then and there to hold a fashion show fundraising event called Sharing the Warmth where all proceeds go to St. Vincent de Paul. She called her good friend Sharon Rees, who owns Vanilla at the Coast Inn, to be part of the fundraiser.
Clarke said she gets up in the morning and turns her heat up a bit more to ward off the chill and she couldn't help think it would be nice to support those who are not quite so lucky.
"I thought oh my goodness, what are these people in need going to do again this winter?" said Clarke. "We are asking everyone who attends the fashion show and anyone else who would like to donate to please bring along gently-used or new coats, hats, mitts, gloves and scarves," said Clarke.
Sometimes the men in need are forgotten and so Clarke said she stood in front of her closet looking at all her husband's coats trying to decide which ones to give away. He gets to keep three.
Lynn White at St. Vincent de Paul also suggested to Clarke to add used reading glasses to the list of what is needed at the facility.
"Lynn said people would love to read the newspaper if they could only see," said Clarke. "They can't afford reading glasses and she would love to be able to distribute used readers to people in need."
The event will offer toonie and loonie draws and Clarke said the designer clothing suppliers of Butterfly Threads and Vanilla are being very generous with prizes and gift certificates.
"When you walk in the door of the event each person will immediately get a $40 gift certificate from each of our stores - Butterfly Threads and Vanilla - so that more than pays for your $25 ticket," said Clarke. "So we're really doing it up, you know? We want people to go away from the event saying that was a great event and look what I came away with."
The fashion show will showcase cruise wear, evening wear, casual wear, fun wear and the most wonderful winter coat line, Clarke added.
There will be a dessert buffet and cocktails, along with the draw and prizes.
The event takes place Saturday at the Coast Inn of the North.
All proceeds and donated items will go to St. Vincent De Paul Society. Tickets are on sale at Butterfly Threads by calling 250-562-2323 and Vanilla at the Coast Inn of the North.
