Community captures the spirit of 2012 (From The Argus)

Community captures the spirit of 2012

9:50pm Wednesday 2nd May 2012 in Community

Volunteer models paraded the spirit of 2012 on the catwalk last Friday as part of a themed charity fashion show at the South Portslade Community Centre.

Balloons and Union flags hung from the rafters as models showed off items donated by Age UK, the British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, Save the Children and Scope.

Donations encapsulated the themes of red, white and blue, the Olympics and Jubilee Glamour.

Local businesses also contributed by providing raffle prizes and food.

Job seeker Kayleigh Baker, 19, concocted the idea after she was asked to come up with a project for her work experience with Hove Job Centre Plus (HJCP).

Dressed as Little Red Riding Hood she said: “I thought that this would help to raise the profile of Portslade. It’s important to raise awareness for local businesses during a recession.”

The show was attended by the former Mayor for Brighton and Hove, Ann Norman and Heart FM DJ Tony Shepherd, who opened the event.

Mr Shepherd, said: “I was happy to come and do it. Kayleigh had a good idea to get the job centre and charities involved. It gives them a positive image.”

Cllr Ann Norman also showed her support saying that the event had gone really well and that charities are always in need of volunteers.

Figures out last week showed that the U.K. had entered a double dip recession after the economy shrank by 0.2% in the first 3 months of this year.

With many families feeling the impact of the recession, initiatives to get people back into work are becoming more prominent.

Personal Advisor Alan Robinson from HJCP, explained that initiatives like this developed skills for the C.V’s of out of work people.

The event raised £180 with proceeds from clothing and raffle tickets being divided equally between the charities involved.

Money raised from entrance fees has been donated to the community centre.

By John Herring