As the fashion world is focusing on the Galliano/Dior controversy, we bring you news of fashion and humanity bonding together. As we have all seen on the news, New Zealand’s second largest city, Christchurch was struck by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on the 22nd February 2011, which has killed more than 150, left hundreds missing and destroyed thousands of homes.
A third of the central business district has been condemned and basic infrastructure such as water is yet to be restored to parts of the city. The disaster has led New Zealand to declare a national state of emergency. This is an event close to LadyM’s heart, having been in Christchurch only five months before and having a brother and sister-in-law made homeless in the aftermath of the quake.
Fashion Designers Show Commonwealth Spirit
The Commonwealth bond is alive online, as many international fashion designers rally around New Zealand through the power of social networking. Following the devastating earthquake which struck New Zealand’s second biggest city Christchurch, an outpouring of support from the UK has emerged from Britons beyond the official responses of the British Government and Royal Family.
One of the ways it is manifesting itself is through a viral campaign to raise funds for the beleaguered city. The campaign called ‘We Love CHCH’ was organised the day after the quake by a group of expat kiwis living in London. ‘We Love CHCH’ is offering those who donate to the earthquake relief effort via the British Red Cross a chance to win exclusive prizes.
The group behind the initiative, led by former Christchurch resident Lucy Mosley, devised their initiative while meeting in a London café in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. They formed a plan to target fashion designers, restaurants, cafes and brand houses to donate goods for an online raffle.
The group knew raising money was essential, but were aware of the relentless number of fundraising and donation requests Britons are faced with each day, so wanted to make it more rewarding. “The level of support has been truly mind-blowing. We have incredible, sought-after pieces from top designers such as William Tempest, Malan Breton, Nicholas Kirkwood, Nicholas King and New Zealand’s very own – Trelise Cooper” says Lucy Mosley. “The speed with which these big names have responded to us shows the Commonwealth spirit is so strong.”
So far the team has raised over £5,000 in a week and. It aims to achieve over £10,000 but this target is proving more difficult, especially as press coverage surrounding the earthquake decreases. “This isn’t just any fundraiser for us – it’s personal, We have all been affected by this disaster. We’re so proud of and grateful to the British public for being so generous. We hope to spread the word further and do as much as we can for our special city.”
Donate to a good cause & be a winner
By donating securely to the British Red Cross Society, every £10 dontated is entered into a prize draw for some amazing prizes from New Zealand and global fashion designers, lifestyle brands and the beauty world.
- Stunning William Tempest “Saphira Dress”, 8-14UK, in a variety of colours (value £1,650)
- The Sterling Anorak by Malan Breton Homme, (UK size 40). Hand dyed cotton in Cadmium with zip and toggle front, hooded and fully lined in silk (value £1180)
- King size mattress and base from Dreams, “Solstice” from their Body Response range (value £800)
- Gorgeous Nicholas Kirkwood shoes: brown suede open toe bootie with metallic foil detail, size 38 (value £665)
- 2 nights accommodation including breakfast for 2 people at The Cavendish, St James’s, London (value £600)
- Two divine bangles from Nicholas King (value £325)
- Gorgeous Trelise Cooper ‘Mirror Max’ Dress (size 12, 100% silk with sequin contrast)
- 4 “best seat” tickets to the popular West End show “Legally Blonde” + a glass of champagne on arrival (value £280)
- Dinner for 2 people at London’s favourite seafood restaurant J Sheekey (value £200)
Plus, many more great prizes, including vouchers from Grind Coffee Bar, signed sports memorabilia and Classic FM Prize packages!
How to help
- Make a donation via www.justgiving.com/welovechch
- Help generate press coverage by publishing this news story, posting to Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
As coverage regarding the earthquake has started to dwindle, any support you can provide to help this worthy cause would be greatly appreciated.