Prestwich-based charity, The Friendship Circle recently raised £10,000 by throwing a fashion show.
The Friendship Circle, a charity which helps to integrate people with physical and learning disabilities into the community, has raised £10,000 by hosting a fashion show.
The event took place at Hilton Suite Prestwich, where members of The Friendship Circle took to the catwalk modelling the latest collections loaned from famous fashion brands such as F&F, JD Williams, Slaters Manchester and Private White VC.
Established as a registered charity in 2010, The Friendship Circle fills a major gap in the social, emotional and cultural provision for people with disabilities in the Manchester area, offering a wide and varied range of recreational programmes.
Mimi Lyons, director of The Friendship Circle, said the charity was raising money for a much needed local community hub; Friendship House, “a place where our 120 members would be made to feel welcome and safe, while having the opportunities to engage in stimulating activities, meet new people and feel valued.
“The fashion show encapsulated what The Friendship Circle is all about; integrating our members into the community, being more inclusive and changing society’s perceptions of people with disabilities. It is amazing to have the incredible support from such major retailers.”
Model Hannah Mendell, age 25, added: “This is the first time in my life that I have ever done something like this. I’ve never been confident in my own skin but by doing this I felt fantastic.”
Around 250 guests watched the fashion show, which was sponsored by Comfy Quilts, SPL Foods, and RSW International Limited. Other local shops involved in the event included The Edit and Vanilla in Hale, Misstique in Whitefield and NSL- Northern Suede and Leathers.
Shana Keeler’s School of Dance and Footlights Theatre School also performed at the show, while foundation degree students from Bury College did hair and makeup, and Clarins at Boots Manchester donated goody bags.
To make a donation, visit Friendship-circle.co.uk.