Harrowsmith Women’s Institute fashion show supports New Leaf Link

Apr 30, 2015

There was standing room only on April 26 at St. Paul's United Church in Harrowsmith for a special event that transformed the church’s main sanctuary into a runway for close to 40 models.

The event, which was organized by the Harrowsmith Women’s Institute (HWI), brought to light over 60 vintage outfits after members scoured their basements, attics and cupboards for vintage clothing, much of it treasured family heirlooms. The outfits were enthusiastically donned by models of all ages who sported clothing and accessories from the Roaring '20s, Depression era '30s, war time '40s, the bopping '50s, psychedelic '60s and the groovy '70s to a delighted crowd that numbered over 150. The models included members of the HWI, the local community as well as participants and staff from New Leaf Link (NeLL).

NeLL was founded by its executive director, Dr. Karen Steiner, and the organization’s aim is to provide education, life skills, arts and healthy living programming to adults with developmental disabilities living in rural South Frontenac and the surrounding area.

The fashion show was spearheaded by Karen Nickel, president of the HWI and came about when HWI member Joan Worsfold, who has been volunteering at NeLL for the last four years, suggested that the proceeds from the event go towards supporting NeLL.

Jo Lyon, who is a program director at New Leaf Link and teaches the healthy living program there (and who also modeled in the show) said that the event helped to bring community awareness to NeLL, which that has grown from four participants in its first year to 13 currently.

Lyon said that NeLL offers its participants opportunities that otherwise would not exist. “After these individuals leave the school system and after they reach 21 years of age there is no programming in this area available to them. They either have to travel to Kingston or Sharbot Lake and we feel it’s important for these individuals to be able to stay in their own community where they are able to be with their friends and families while participating in worthwhile programming opportunities.”

She said she was thrilled that participants from NeLL also modeled in the fashion show. “It's important for the community at large to see who we are at NeLL and to understand the important programming that we are offering through the organization.” For more information visit newleaflink.ca