It is time to hit the second-hand shops for a gown, a suit or even a dressing gown for the Op Shop Ball.
The ball is being hosted by South Canterbury Young and Local, formerly South Canterbury Young Professionals. The name change was designed to engage more with young people living in Timaru.
South Canterbury Young and Local committee member Zoe Matchett said they had been talking about hosting a ball for a while now.
‘‘We started planning this a few months ago, looking at venues around the end of May.’’
With most things now opening up and with fewer restrictions on event numbers, along with the end to winter sports, they decided this was the best time to do it.
Committee member Hannah Wallace said people might be stressed from work and Covid-19 so this would be a good night out for people looking for something to do. ‘‘It will be a fun night out with good music and good food.’’
St Vincent de Paul’s shop manager Sharon Leonard got in behind the event, designing the shop’s front window display to show off the second-hand ball attire in stock.
‘‘I thought it was a brilliant idea and I just like to get behind everything within the community.’’
She said she was happy to promote the event and had a lot of people come into the store to ask about it.
‘‘It’s not only helping young people not spend a lot of money but it is also helping the economy by re-using the clothing and everything goes back into the community. It’s a great initiative.’’
South Canterbury Young and Local members hope to get people along, supporting local and second-hand businesses.
Committee member Sam Tipping said this would be an event where you could meet new people.
‘‘Timaru is a small community. Lots of people come here for their first jobs, so this event is a great way to meet new people and network, and make connections that aren’t necessarily work-related.’’
The ball will be held at the Landing Service Conference Centre on August 27.
