NEW GLASGOW - On Sunday afternoon, Summer Street Industries had a number of ladies on the catwalk, doing some styling and profiling for a tremendous, supportive crowd – and all for a good cause.
Although this year will mark the fourth and final year in running for Models for Mental Health, the fashion show has been an auspicious and infectiously popular event, since back when it took place at Glasgow Square.
“Once again, the community came through for a good cause, and we are simply delighted with the overwhelming support of the community – support that is not waning,” said Shawna Coleman, a co-host of the show.
Lily DeYoung, another co-host, said that despite the show having “many moving parts,” it went off without a hitch, once again, thanks to a significant number of community volunteers working behind the scenes to make Models For Mental Health a reality.
The show featured 20 models between the ages of 13 and 80, modeling clothing from the Ladies Consignment Shop in Tatamagouche – and a couple of fashion looks inspired by he ladies of Summer Street Industries, as well.
Through community sponsorship, and proceeds from the 50/50 and silent auction, Models for Mental Health donates its proceeds to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. That money then is put back into Pictou County to provide support for those dealing with mental illness in the community at large.
DeYoung stressed how important the cause is to herself, Coleman – and everyone else involved with Models for Mental Health. She noted that mental health “is a cause that sometimes takes back burner. It needs to be at the forefront – I can’t emphasize that enough. Mental illness is just as serious as physical illness.”
Kim Dickson, a spokesperson for the event, said there has always been outstanding support for Models for Mental Health – this year, and in the previous three years it has taken place.
Backstage getting ready for @Models4MH with my sister Stacey & organizers @shawcole @LilyDeYoung @MentalHealthNS pic.twitter.com/Fl85HIzVpl
— StarrCunningham (@StarrDobson) November 5, 2017
Glasgow Square was not big enough to contain the excitement and popularity of the event. Dickson noted that in its growth, Models for Mental Health had to be moved to a more commodious location this year, at Summer Street Industries, because of the incredible growth of the crowd and support each year it was hosted.
“This whole thing is the result of the work of a great team of friends, family and people in the community,” said Dickson. “They all believe in the importance of this cause – removing the stigma around mental health.”
