The amateur fashion models of Lake Cowichan School have once again shown a commitment to community by donating all proceeds from the school’s annual Grad Fashion Show to the local food bank.
On April 12, more than 20 Grade 12 students took to the runway set up in the school gym, strutting their stuff decked out in clothing from a number of businesses from throughout the Cowichan Valley. Hair and makeup was done by Salon 87.
The event raised $400 and collected a number of food donations.
“We’re honoured they were even considering us. It’s a great treat for our organization,” said Katherine Worsley of the Lake Cowichan Food Bank. “It’s amazing that the kids in the age group that they are, that they’re thinking about the people in need here in our community so I give them big applause and they put on a great show.”
Worsley said the donation will help the food bank pay its rent and purchase food items they need but don’t receive through regular donations of non-perishables.
The show featured apparel from Copper Lane Fashion Boutique, DIY, Scarlett’s Second Hand Boutique, Outdoor & Hunting, Archer + Arrow, The Garment District, Warehouse One and Wall Street Clothing.
Raimund Mullin was one of the students on stage that night and said with the exception of one rehearsal, he and his fellow models had to get creative and “make it [their] own”.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking but the food bank’s a good cause and it seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity and a lot of fun so I decided to give it a try,” he said.
LCS principal Nicole Boucher said the event has been a year-end staple and it’s never hard to find enough students to volunteer as models.
“It brings us together. It’s always nice to get together outside of school hours. It’s just a different flavour, a different feel. And it showcases the kids,” she said, noting the event is organized entirely by students with minimal help from adults.
“What you see is all done by them.”
However, the students did get some runway pointers from Corrie Helliwell, owner of Copper Lane Fashion Boutique, who participates in the event every year.
“I came here at lunch time and gave them some tips,” she said. “I did have to go [backstage] and tell them to slow down. At first they were going too fast.”