Keen to support mums, bubs and the dedicated staff who welcome so many newborns into the world, the RSM Club function room was filled to capacity on Saturday.
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Over 170 people turned up for shopping extravaganza and fashion fundraiser, and some were even turned away. At least $7500 was raised, and will go towards equipment for the Inverell District Hospital maternity ward.
“I probably didn’t realise how many families and people it was going to touch,” organiser Vicki Berger said. She said the night far exceeded all her expectations.
“I just didn’t think that it would create that much excitement,” she said. Vicki saw a wide array of people come through to support the ward and to learn more about health for mothers and their little ones.
I probably didn’t realise how many families and people it was going to touch.
- Vicki Berger
Many took an interest in the CuddleCot, a machine which helps give grieving families more time with their stillborn children. Maternity ward staff Libby Pittman, Lisa Manuel, Amanda Norman and Kim Macleod were generous with their time and answered many questions on the night.
Set to be purchased by the Westpac Bank for the ward, the machine is an example of the type of equipment maternity staff may wish to purchase to add to the comfort and dignity of families spending time in the ward.
Along with talks on health and wellbeing, there were dance and karate performances to entertain the crowd as they browsed the many makeup, jewellery and craft stalls for bargains. Local women took to the catwalk to showcase clothes from Millers Fashion and Best and Less.
“I thought it was really fun,” model Jemima Harper said.
“I’m new to Inverell, so it was really nice seeing the town get together as a community for something local.”
Around $5000 in raffle and lucky door prizes were up for grabs, and free makeovers were given to some.
“Women were just genuinely having a great time. You could see that everyone was so relaxed,” Vicki said.
Jemima agreed. “My dad and my partner went, and they had a great time,” she said.
“They had a ball. Even though it was women’s fashion, the men were still able to relax and get together for a great cause.”
All funds raised will go directly to the maternity ward.