The Singapore Red Cross celebrated a memorable International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December 2013 with an inaugural fashion runway show that was co-created by beneficiaries and volunteers. 21 unique couture pieces, designed specially for this event were put up on a silent auction where all proceeds will go to Singapore Red Cross’ local humanitarian services.
More than 300 people – volunteers, staff, beneficiaries were present at the Star Gallery of Star Vista to “do what we do best for humanity”, the theme of IVD 2013. The event started with a bang as performers from the John & Deniece Glee Studio wowed the crowd with their powerful voices and upbeat dance moves. This was followed by the highlight of the night, a fashion runway show where models wearing symbolic yet high fashion couture sashayed down the runway.
“Each fashion piece was co-created by our residents of the Red Cross Home for Disabled (RCHD) and a designer. Meaningful interactions between the residents and designers blossomed into inspirations for couture designs. We really appreciate the efforts of the designer volunteers. Not only are they raising funds for our local community services, they have brightened up the residents’ lives just by spending quality time drawing and painting with them,” said Benjamin William, Secretary General of Singapore Red Cross.
This project was initiated by Kristine Gale Choa, a Fashion Studies graduate, who saw the issues of regular clothes on the residents during her first volunteering stint at RCHD. This initial idea then evolved into a creative and meaningful collaboration between residents and volunteer designers.
“We never knew what to expect at each visit,” said Miss Choa. Through their frequent visits at RCHD, the 11 designers involved in this project found their inspirations from residents’ artwork i.e. residents helped dye yarns and painted trimmings of jackets.
The auction is open till 12 December 2013, 11:59pm. Please visit www.srcivd2013.sg for more details.
