Gqeberha: Fashion show to raise money for GBV

Raise your voice against gender based violence by supporting the Voice of Courage Fashion Show on Friday, 6 September at the Boardwalk Expo Centre.
 
The Boardwalk and Camelot Spa have partnered with local designers, hair stylists, make-up artists and performers to raise awareness and funds for Yokhuselo Haven.
 
Since it was first established in 1988, Yokhuselo has offered a warm and loving safe haven for women and children affected by domestic violence. The cost of providing victims with shelter, food, clothing, toiletries, access to health facilities, assistance in procuring protection orders and trauma counselling is R35 000 per month.
 
Yokhuselo Haven also provides basic counselling skills, basic knowledge about legal rights, self-defence and first-aid classes, and preparation for police and court procedures. While at the home the women are also taught new skills to become financially independent.
 
The R300 entry fee paid by guests attending the fashion show will be donated to the home.
 
Models will strut the catwalk wearing creations from talented local designers Hombakazi, House of Ozzie, Queen M Style, and Braemore Design.
 
Guests will be entertained by popular songstress Karen Kortje, and a special poetic reading by Lelethu Mahambehlala from Poetic Soul.
 
Guest speakers will include Antoinette Hamman from Yokhuselo Haven and local author and one time resident the Haven, Schamelle Rulf. They will share their own experiences with overcoming domestic violence.
 
Chairperson Rochelle Norris from Yokhuselo Haven says, “Many women and children are silently suffering from abuse but they have nowhere to go so we are grateful for fund raising initiatives such as this fashion show and donations from the public. We also appeal to people to assist us by dropping off fresh and non-perishable food at the home. We always need toiletries and cleaning materials, bedding and clothing, as well as toys for the children.
 
“If you have time to spare you could assist us by standing in at reception, playing with the children, helping them to do homework or by just offering support and companionship to the women and children. If you have a skill you can teach them, it could turn their lives around and for only R300 per month you can support a family at Yokhuselo Haven for an entire year.”
 
Lameez Suliman, Marketing Manager from The Boardwalk says, “When we refuse to accept violence as the norm, we can change the way the story ends for victims of abuse. By attending the fashion show you can do good while learning to look good. That is a fashion statement worth making.”
 
Tickets are available from Webtickets.

Other local companies offering their services to Yokhuselo for the fashion show fundraising include:
Woolworths (Make Up)
Premier Models (Models)
Images One (Hairstyling)