Local family support charity, Home-Start Aberdeen is organising a combined fashion show and afternoon tea to celebrate ten years of the organisation’s charity shop.

There won’t be any ‘fast fashion’ to be found on this catwalk, instead all the clothing, modelled by families supported by the charity, will be ‘sustainable fashion’ straight off the rails of their popular George Street charity shop. It’s a win-win situation all round with the event being both good for the planet, raising funds for the charity and providing a fantastic afternoon of entertainment for attendees.

The Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show event which has been organised by Friends of Home-Start Aberdeen takes place on Sunday 19th November 2023 at The Chester Hotel. Running from 2pm to 5pm tickets are priced at £40/head and include afternoon tea, the fashion show, an array of stallholders and a pop-up charity shop. Entertainment will be provided by the acclaimed Scottish retro trio The Vintage Girls, aptly named to accompany the showcasing of second-hand clothing.

Home-Start Aberdeen provides life-changing support to families across the city through its local community network of trained volunteers and experienced staff. Starting in the home, the charity’s approach is as individual as the people it helps, offering compassionate, confidential support, and helping parents to gain the knowledge, skills and resources they need to give their children the best possible start in life.

Their much-loved charity shop is located in the heart of the city at 101 George Street (opposite the old John Lewis) and it’s a great place to bag a bargain with a fantastic range of high-quality affordable items on offer. It first opened its doors to customers in November 2012 and its profits are used to help fund the work supporting local families with every penny raised in Aberdeen staying in Aberdeen.

The models at the event will be local mums such as Suzie who have been supported by the charity. “Home-Start has been fantastic in helping me get out and about which has in turn been really positive for my mental health. I’ve also found their charity shop a great place to pick up items for the kids and I really don’t buy very much new. I’m looking forward to taking part in the fashion show which will be another step forward as something for me whilst at the same time helping others”.

Charity Shop Manager Karen Milne who has been in post from day one said “There are always hidden gems to be found on the rails of our shop however over the past few weeks I’ve been stowing away some rather special items of clothing and accessories specifically for this event and I’m excited to see them being modelled. Our shop has always been popular for those looking for affordably priced clothing, even more so in the current cost of living crisis, and we’re all about giving items a second life whilst at the same time raising much needed funds to support local families.

“Over the years we’ve noticed a change in our shoppers with many now scouring the hangers for that one off unique piece or vintage item. Initiatives such as repair what you wear, visible mending and the TV’s Sewing Bee have all had an impact alongside a reduce, reuse, and recycle culture. It’s great to see many more young visitors in the shop embracing this ethos and the fundraiser will be a great showcase for just how stylish second-hand can be”

This will be the first annual fundraiser for recently appointed Home-start Aberdeen Chief Executive Cameron McCready. “Our charity shop has and continues to play a critical role in raising funds to support families and children in Aberdeen whilst also providing volunteering opportunities and being a source of suitably priced clothing and items at a time of significant financial pressures for many.   Combining our annual fundraising event this year with our very own preloved fashion in celebration of the shop’s significant ten-year milestone we’re really looking forward to welcoming a great crowd.”

Tickets for the event are available https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/home-start-aberdeens-afternoon-tea-with-fashion-show-tickets-629879545677.

For over 30 years Home-Start Aberdeen has been supporting vulnerable families across the city to prevent family crisis and breakdown. These families have at least one child under the age of five and are typically affected by social isolation, bereavement, relationship problems, illness, disability and financial hardship. Home Start Aberdeen positively welcomes and seeks to ensure we achieve diversity. We encourage interest from all regardless of age, race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality.

For more information on Home-Start Aberdeen visit www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.