Lorraine Keane is hosting a host of fashionable fundraisers in Cork, Dublin and Galway to raise proceeds for those facing famine. We caught up with the TV presenter to find out more.
Over the past nine years, Lorraine has worked with both Irish and international charities that have taken her all over the world including East Africa, where millions of people are facing extreme hunger.
After seeing the extreme poverty first hand, Lorraine was determined to raise both awareness and funds for those in need and approached Oxfam Ireland to see if they’d be interested in teaming up the fundraiser.
"Almost every Irish person out there is very generous and very charitable, we're a nation that are known for our generosity. I thought that if they know that this is happening, of course, they'll want to help," said Lorraine.
"Having been to the developing world so many times, I knew that a little goes a very long way in the world's poorest countries. I knew that if we were even able to sell one thing, it could feed a family for a week and that's when I thought, 'I have way too much stuff'. I'm happy to do a big clearout, knowing that it would help others."
The idea was simple: encourage the celebs and fashionistas of Ireland to donate their high-quality clothes and accessories, and hold a massive sale to raise funds to fight the hunger crisis.
Happily, Lorraine's plea was answered tenfold by her friends and colleagues and, in the end, she raised an incredible €60,000 at last year's event.
Now, Lorraine and her generous friends are ready to do it all over again. What's more, she's bringing Fashion Relief on the road with events in Cork, Dublin, and Galway!
What to expect
If this event sounds like your dream day out then be sure to get your tickets early as the TV presenter insists we can expect to see some "serious designer bargains" as well as brand new high street and boutique clothing. All of which will be available for "ridiculously low prices".
"I've got the support of most of the boutiques all over Ireland, most of the Irish designers and designers working from Ireland and the wholesalers so I have a lot of brand new stock that they're donating. I've got the Design Centre, Umit Kutluk, Paul Costelloe, Louise Kennedy, Simon O'Mahony - the list is endless!"
As well as enjoying some guilt-free retail therapy, Lorraine has organised two free fashion shows to take place thanks to the support of volunteers including fashion stylist Catherine Condell as well as all the models and celebrities who will be walking the catwalk.
Donate in style
If you've been watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, you know that 2019 is the perfect time to find items that spark joy in your life and say 'thank you, next' to the clothes and accessories that don't. Here are some things you can do to donate to Fashion Relief 2019.
- Tell all your friends! Host a coffee morning and ask your stylish friends to donate an item for the public sale at FASHION RELIEF.
- Organise a workplace donation and we’ll give you all the support you need.
- Bag up any pre-loved or brand-new high-quality clothes, accessories or handbags you no longer want – just make sure they’re ready for the sale rail.
- Arrange delivery to Oxfam Ireland, 2nd Floor Portview House, Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4, or call us and we’ll come collect your donations.
- Volunteer yourself and/or friends to stock and staff your own stall at the event!
Fashion Relief 2019: Sunday 17th Feb 2019 | City Hall Cork Sunday 10th March 2019 | RDS Dublin Sunday 31st March 2019 | Galmont Hotel.
For more details on donations or volunteering for FASHION RELIEF, see fashionrelief.ie
