Dust off those Easter bonnets, a local charity group is inviting everyone to dress in their Sunday best as they Spring Into Fashion.
The latest fashions suitable for all ages and body types will be showcased during the fundraising event set for Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Columbus Community Centre.
Fashions are provided by Butterfly Boutique, a popular downtown clothing store.
Hosted by the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Prince George group, or G2G PG for short, this fundraiser is one of many with proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, a national effort that helps African grandmothers raise not only their grandchildren but communities filled with orphaned children who have lost their parents to the AIDS epidemic that has virtually wiped out an entire generation.
This global outreach has inspired 75 local women to join G2G PG - you don't technically have to be a grandmother to join the movement - and they've raised $21,481.26 since their start up in November 2015. Last year's fashion show raised $4,400 and the hope is to do the same this year. The local group has hosted golf tournaments, bring and buys, sing alongs, and wine and paint nights as well as selling handmade beaded necklaces and bracelets, in an effort to raise as much money as they can.
The Stephen Lewis Foundation began in 2003 by dedicating efforts to offer mere survival to those in need in Africa but as the initiatives gained momentum, projects have grown into human rights movements primarily led by grandmothers to encompass all women, children and men. As of 2015, the Foundation has disbursed more than $89 million, working in partnership with more than 300 community-based organizations on more than 1,400 initiatives in Africa.
To help with these efforts, the G2G PG are offering finger foods, dessert, tea and coffee at the Spring Into Fashion event, and for purchase there will be red and white wine, sangria and a mimosa fountain is also available.
"So many people embrace the event," Louise Ewen, a founding member of G2G PG, said. "Last year we had a table of ladies dressed in beautiful dresses who had bonnets to match their outfits. Some people get really creative - we had one lady who had a bra mounted on the top of her bonnet. It was really fun and people had some really fun ideas and seemed to really enjoy that aspect of the event as well."
Tickets are $30 each from G2G PG members and at Butterfly Boutique, 421 Dominion St. For more information email Ann at [email protected].
