The Women in Focus team at Commonwealth Bank helped Not For Profit Organisation, 10Thousandgirl, host their dream International Women’s Day event on March 4: a Giant Clothes Swap Market High Tea.
Empowering women one dress at a time
The mass frock swapathon raised money for Opportunity International - a charity organisation who provide micro finance to assist those in poverty to grow their small businesses – enabling them to earn an income and afford food, water, shelter and an education for their children.
Women in Focus ran a competition for their online Community members, offering the opportunity to receive $5,000 towards hosting their dream International Women’s Day event. There were many impressive entries, but the clear stand out and winning entry came from Jillian Kempton from 10Thousand girl an organisation who assists women in poverty to pursue their life plan through the provision of loans, savings, insurance or training.
Making a difference locally and overseas
The Giant Clothes Swap Market High Tea was a huge success and gave women the opportunity to rejuvenate their wardrobe by exchanging unwanted clothes, connect with other women and hear from key speakers on a range of topics. The event was based on the concept of Opportunity Swap, the clothing swap fund raising initiative from Opportunity International.
To raise money for the charity, tickets were purchased through donating to Opportunity International. Winner Jillian Kempton says “It’s really exciting what $5,000 can do to create a far-reaching impact on women around the world. With this generous grant from Women in Focus, 10thousandgirl was able to connect and empower women locally; and through donating to Opportunity International women in Australia, could impact the lives of women in other countries through microfinance.”
Inspiring and interactive events
Women in Focus are also holding their own series of events across Australia for International Women’s Day on March 8. These inspiring and interactive lunches aim to celebrate the achievements of women making a difference in some of the community’s most vulnerable sectors, and will involve discussions around what the community can do to empower women in these sectors both socially and economically. Go to www.womeninfocus.com.au events page to find out more.