CREDIT: FANSHAWE FACULTY OF ARTS, MEDIA AND DESIGN
In the Liberty Blooms Fashion Show, first year merchandising students at Fanshawe re-vamped garments donated from Goodwill.

On Nov. 24, local organization My Sisters’ Place packed the third floor of the Goodwill building on Horton Street for their ninth annual fashion show fundraiser in collaboration with Fanshawe Fashion Merchandising students and Goodwill Industries. The students took clothes donated from Goodwill and transformed them into new outfits. The theme of the evening was Liberty Blooms, which was a bright, floral theme, and also included a live auction, silent auction and art sales.

First year Fashion Merchandising students that were involved in the event spoke of the preparation that went into the evening, between planning, decorating and set up. They were glad to see it all come together, and that it challenged students in their program to create the outfits as well as helped out a good cause.

Fashion Merchandising professor Deb Trotechaut spoke of the second year students’ efforts in organizing and promoting the show, and of the importance of students taking part in events like this one.

“[It’s important] for Fanshawe because we connect with the community, and we are a community college, and I think it’s really important that the students have awareness of other things outside of their world… it’s a lot of work to put together, but the end result ultimately is giving back to the community.”

Susan Macphail is the director of My Sisters’ Place, and said why events like this one are so important overall to a community.

“Not only does it raise awareness that there are so many individuals in our community who are living in the margins, living in the shadows and who do not have the kind of support or quality of life that perhaps the rest of us do enjoy – it’s also really important because it’s an opportunity for the community to come together.”

Another part of My Sisters’ Place is their internal business, Micro Enterprise, which takes donated jewelry and takes it apart to make it into something new, raises funds for the organization. Those working at the booth for the Liberty Blooms event said they have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

As well as involving fashion students, Fanshawe’s theater students took care of the lighting for the show and culinary students helped cater the event.

Kate Baldwin is the chair of Goodwill’s board, and thinks that an event where students get to practice for the career they’re studying for is a perfect fit for Goodwill.

“I think having all the students involved in a work capacity for what they’re studying is a really great opportunity for them from all aspects of it. From the lighting, from the fashion, from the serving and from the food preparation…I think it’s a great partner with Goodwill because Goodwill is also about giving people the opportunity to get to work.”

Fanshawe College president Peter Devlin was also present, and shared similar sentiments.

“It’s important for students to share, and for us to celebrate their skill, their commitment, their devotion, what they’re learning and to do that in a community setting is what helps define Fanshawe.”

My Sisters’ Place is a program run through the Canadian Mental Health Association that helps women facing homelessness with underlying problems such as mental health or addictions. For more information visit mysistersplacelondon.ca.