Dromore boutique set to host charity show

Boutique owners Lorraine Wallace and Lyndsay Wylie organise a fashion show twice a year to showcase the spring/summer and autum/winter collections.

The popular events, which seat 50 people, raise funds for various charities, whilst displaying the latest fashions and serving up lunch to those attending.

This year the organisers have selected Guide Dogs for the Blind, a charity they believe deserves more recognition.

Lorraine Wallace explained: “Last year’s event for Guide Dogs for the Blind raised £800.

“We’ve decided to keep them as our charity for a couple of years as they are a well deserving charity.

“They are such a worthwhile charity but they don’t get as much recognition or support as some charities do.

“It takes around £7,000 to train a dog. People think it maybe takes a few hundred pounds, you just get a puppy and train it, but that’s not the case.

“They provide a vital service to children and adults; lots of people benefit from the charity.”

Lorraine added: “Last year we had a fashion show for a cancer charity which raised £1,000. For a 50-seater venue a good amount of money is raised.

“We also have a rep along from the charity who will give a 10-minute speech on the work they do.

“It’s a really good night. Years ago Anderson McCauley in Belfast had lovely afternoon teas where the models moved around the tables showing off the clothes, and we’ve recreated that.

“My daughter Lyndsey is very charity orientated,” she added.

“This year’s event is sold out. People know they get a lovely supper and that the majority of money from the tickets is going directly to the charity.

“They know they are supporting the charity and they are happy to do that.”

Velvet Rose has also been approached by ladies in Hillsborough to host a charity fashion show in the Hillsborough Village Centre on Wednesday April 13 at 7.30pm, which will be in aid of the Lisburn branch of Cancer Research.