Spring is here, and for one night only, the freshest spring fashion will hit the catwalk on April 30 at the Gimli District Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser Spring Fashion Show, presented by Johnson’s Fashion and Footwear.
Fundraiser convenor and auxiliary board member Evelyn Thompson said the idea came to life in her sleep.
“I woke up and it just hit me,” she recalled. “It was the middle of the night, and I thought a fashion show at Johnson Hall would be a wonderful idea.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. at Johnson Hall, where a cash-only bar will be available and finger foods will be served at guests’ tables. The show begins at 7 p.m. and will feature 15 local models showcasing designs from Johnson’s Fashion and Footwear.
The fashion show is a first for the auxiliary, and Thompson hopes the initiative will raise significant funds in support of the Gimli Community Health Centre and local health-care services.
The Gimli District Health Auxiliary has been in operation since 1968, growing from 12 members to more than 40 core members over the years. Its mission is to enhance the comfort and well-being of patients at the Gimli Community Health Centre and surrounding area by raising funds and purchasing health-care-related equipment and supplies.
Funds raised are divided among department wish lists, ensuring several needs are met. Since 2008, the auxiliary has donated more than $280,000 back to Gimli health care, benefiting 15 different departments.
In addition, members keep the hospital’s drink machines stocked and provide two $500 scholarships for graduating students from Gimli High School entering post-secondary education in a health-related field.
Thompson said she is thankful for the ongoing support the community provides, especially knowing the firsthand impact the auxiliary can make.
That impact inspired her to begin volunteering three years ago after dealing with a personal health matter. She explained that she was transported from Gimli to a Winnipeg facility by ambulance and described the experience as a “rough ride.”
During her second ambulance trip, while returning to Gimli, the journey was far more comfortable because her stretcher had additional padding. That stretcher, she noted, had been purchased with proceeds from the Gimli Hospital Auxiliary.
“I was elated about this,” Thompson added. “If I felt this way after receiving enhanced care, I knew I had to help others feel this way too.”
She hopes the evening is a success and is looking forward to seeing the community come together.
Kim Magnusson of Johnson’s Fashion and Footwear said they are excited to see the spring show come to life, having partnered with many local organizations over the past 35 years.
“Many of our customers are auxiliary members, so this is a perfect way for us to contribute to their fundraising efforts this spring,” Magnusson said. “It is also an excellent advertising opportunity for us, as we can put together a variety of ensembles — from casual to dressy — for different ages and body types.”
Four distinct fashion sections will be featured — golf/sport, work-to-weekend, dresses and coordinates, and special occasion — with each model showcasing four outfits.
Magnusson said they are looking forward to welcoming spring, especially after a long winter.
“We are looking forward to seeing all of our customers who may have been away for the winter and visiting with them during their fitting appointments,” she said, noting this will be the first time their fashion is featured at Johnson Hall.
“We are celebrating 35 years in business in Gimli this year, and we are very thankful for the support, friendship, and loyalty of our customers across the Interlake, Winnipeg and online across Canada.”
Guests who attend the show will also receive a 20 per cent discount to use in-store for one week following the event.
Limited tickets remain and can be purchased for $25 at Johnson’s Fashion and Footwear, the Gimli Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop or through Stella Gray by calling 204-510-1459.
