A WEDDING dress bought for £10,000 could be yours for a snip in a charity sale this weekend.
The exquisite lace gown, from exclusive Spanish designers Pronovias, is the star item in a fabulous collection which includes gorgeous full-length ballgowns, top high street brands and vintage gems – some of which will be up for grabs for just five pounds.
Stunned charity bosses were delighted by the unexpected donation, modelled exclusively for the Glasgow Times by Glasgow Caledonian University student Lisa Irvine.
Fiona Irvine, founder of Charity Heroes (and Lisa’s mum), said: “It’s an absolutely gorgeous dress, and we’re very grateful to the woman who donated it. We have had such fantastic pre-loved dresses handed in – close to 500 – everything from cocktail to ballgown, wedding guest to mother of the bride – even some sparkly Christmas night out numbers.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to shop locally and sustainably this Christmas, while raising vital funds for charity.”
Charity Heroes is hosting the Posh Frocks event at The Hub at Pacific Quay on Sunday, November 21, between 10am and 2pm to raise vital funds for their charity of the year, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS).
The Glasgow Times is also supporting CHSS through our More than a Subscription initiative – for every annual subscription purchased during November, we will donate £10 to be divided between CHSS, Maggie’s Glasgow and Beloved Rabbits.
And those three organisations will also benefit in our Cash for Charities campaign, which gives eight Scottish charities (the others are Ardgowan Hospice, Man On Inverclyde, Erskine, Calum’s Cabin and Autism Rocks) a share of a £20,000 cash pot.
Our parent company’s charitable arm, The Gannett Foundation, is providing the cash but how it is divided is up to you – our readers – to decide.
To determine how the £20,000 is allocated, readers are invited to collect tokens which appear in our newspapers every day during November until the closing date.
You can then drop your tokens at collection points across our region, including supermarkets, restaurants and other prominent locations, or post them to Glasgow Times Readers’ Choice Cash for Charities Nominations, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG. You can also drop them in to our offices at 194 Bath Street.
Tokens must arrive by the closing date of Sunday, November 28. Each token collected will then be used to allocate cash to the nominated charity – so if your favourite charity collects 50 percent of all tokens collected, it will receive £10,000.
CHSS provides vital support people to help them manage their conditions, rebuild their lives and live well at home after returning from hospital.
Andrea McIntyre, Community and Event Fundraising Manager said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of Charity Heroes and to be part of this fabulous event and partnership. We’ve been lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the dresses and there are loads of incredible gowns and outfits up for grabs. Prices start at just £5, and every purchase will be helping people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions across Scotland get the vital support they need this Christmas.”
There are more than 500 dresses up for grabs, available in sizes from six to 22, with lots in the 12 to 16 range. Prices will range from £5 to £40, with the exception of the wedding dresses, which will have reserve prices.
Many have the labels still on – brands include Coast, Ted Baker, Monsoon, Hobbs, Phase Eight and more – and there is some fantastic original vintagewear too. All dresses that remain unsold will be donated back to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and distributed throughout their 40 stores across the country.
READ MORE: ‘Rabbits are wonderful’ – Glasgow rescue charity to share in £20k cash pot
Tickets can be purchased in advance for £5 which includes exclusive access to the sale, cake and refreshments. Visit rainbowhr.com/estore for details. The venue is also holding a Christmas market on the same day, with a range of independent businesses, selling gifts and more.
Charity Heroes are still accepting donations of high-quality, top condition wedding outfits, cocktail dresses, evening gowns, party dresses and accessories for the event. The team can collect items in the Greater Glasgow area or can organise drop-off in Paisley. Email fiona.irvine@rainbowhr.com if you can help.
