An event in 100 Mile House on Saturday (Oct. 19) is pairing fashion with charity.
The Catholic Women's League Society is hosting “Fashion with a Heart” at the 100 Mile Community Hall.
The fundraiser will feature the newest fashions from local retailers and benefit the Shirley Case School Project and other local charities.
Shirley Case and two other female aid workers and their driver were killed in 2008 while travelling in eastern Afghanistan when their SUV was ambushed by gunmen. They were working on education and children's programs in the country with New York-based aid group the International Rescue Committee.
According to reports, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
Case grew up in 100 Mile House. In memory of her, the Shirley Case School Project, in partnership with SchoolBOX, is committed to building schools in Nicaragua.
“She had a passion for education and teaching,” says Barb MacLeod, president of the Catholic Women's League Society.
“People from our community have gone [to Nicaragua] and worked on the schools. [The people there] have nothing.
“It's just amazing. We live so well, and these people are so excited to get a cement block school.”
The fashion show starts at 1 p.m. Clothes and models will be provided by local retailers – Class Act Formals, Outlaw Urban Clothing Co., Log House Western Wear and Didi's Boutique.
MacLeod says the event was a huge success last year and raised close to $4,000.
“The fashions were wonderful. We get a tremendous amount of support from the community.”
Tickets are $15 and include refreshments. They are available at the aforementioned retailers and at the door.
“People love to come out and support the event. We're doing it in the memory of a young girl who was only 30 when she died. We want to keep her dream alive.”