More than just clothes and shoes: Spring Fashion Show raises another $3K for Gunnedah shire’s ‘MS Warriors’

More than just clothes and shoes, the annual Spring Fashion Show has been a staple fundraiser for MS Incorporated for many years.

Saturday afternoon was no different, with about 80 people paying the entry fee to check out the latest fashion from Willow & Fli and support a good cause.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic neurological disease affecting young adults according to MS Australia and people in the shire unfortunately continue to be affected by the disease.

Gunnedah MS Incorporated has been operating in the area for years and raises money to assist people with the disease through its charity work.

The volunteers were short on models this year due to sickness so it was up to Chris Mirow, Julie Smee and Carrissa Allen to strut while Tracie Finlay emceed the fashion fits and tips.

They added extra flair this year by showcasing shoes and accessories.

“MS is just one of those [diseases] that affects so many people,” Tracie told the crowd.

Gunnedah MS Incorporated president Jacinta Cipolla said the group has grown a good partnership with the local business.

“They obviously have a good following and know how to bring a crowd,” she said.

“It was really fun, good laughter, the crowd was really engaging with Tracie, talking about the outfits, and a lot of chat after, at the morning tea.”

The fashion show was how Jacinta originally found out about the group that not only supports people with MS financially but also through community support.

Winners of the day’s raffle were Viv Donoghue, Brielle O’Keefe, Kerry Ewing and Steph Brown.

Between tickets sold at the door and raffle tickets, the event raised more than $3000 – smashing the $1800 last year.

“I think because we are local and we help what we call our ‘MS Warriors’ in the shire with all the money we fundraise, [people show],” Jacinta said.

The year is not over for the group, which will soon see its annual general meeting and a movie fundraiser next on the schedule.

Carrissa Allen.

Julie Smee.

Tracie Finlay accessorising Carrissa Allen with the perfect handbag.

Julie Smee.

Jenny Finlay could have swapped with Tana Byrnes on the runway as she came to the show in a near identical fit to the model.

Chris Mirow at the Spring Fashion Show in Gunnedah.

Tana Byrnes.