By Chitsy Kapambwe
Ciara ThieDeman and a dedicated group of volunteers want to help people break through the stigma surrounding suicide with a fundraising fashion gala on October 25 at Aranmore Catholic Primary and a sale of clothes at the school the following day.
Garments donated by some of Western Australia’s best known personalities will be up for grabs with celebrities including Jessica Rowe and former WA Premier Geoff Gallop lending their support to the event.
Ms Thiedeman said she wanted to raise awareness around suicide following her own mother’s untimely death.
“We are trying to make talking about suicide and the ugly side of mental health a little easier by making it ‘fashionable’,” Ms Thiedeman said.
“I felt a horrible loneliness when my mum was really ill and after my mum’s suicide because people didn’t know how to talk about it.”
Ms Thiedeman said she hopes the gala will help people in similar circumstances, including their friends and loved ones, to feel more open about discussing the issue.
Funds raised go to Vincentcare, a St Vincent de Paul Society outreach for people living with mental health issues and homelessness.
The nighttime event will be hosted by 96FM’s Carmen Braidwood and will be styled by fashion guru Ingrid Hocking of Brownlow Medal gown fame.
All celebrity-donated fashion items will be available for pre-sale on the night of the gala.
Clothes will also be sold at the primary school from 10am to 4pm, with entry by a gold coin donation.
Tickets to the gala event are on sale for $25.
For more information on the gala or the following day’s sale, contact Aranmore Catholic Primary School on 9444 9366. If you are feeling suicidal or have been affected by suicide and need to talk to someone, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.