News
Opportunities for people with a disability
February 24, 2011
Passion for fashion drives golfers to Toowoomba
The glamorous worlds of fashion and golf combined to raise funds and bring more than a little excitement to Endeavour Foundation on the eve of the Queensland PGA Championship in Toowoomba.
As dozens of professional golfers took to the putting green and driving-range in readiness for their title chase over the next four days at the City Golf Club, three of their colleagues joined an array of models on the catwalk in the clubhouse.
The show formed part of the QPGA Championship week as Endeavour Foundation is its charity of choice.
This is a huge honour in the foundation’s 60th anniversary year.
The inaugural Endeavour Fashion Show displayed the future of eco-clothing thanks to a remarkable range of upstyled clothing.
Upcycling is the latest watchword in fashion and is creating a buzz.
It gives old clothes a new lease of life by taking several items and re-designing them into one unique garment.
Kim Bailey designed the one-off items on show and said she was returning to basics: “I’m trying to re-ignite the lost art of sewing,” Ms Bailey said.
“Younger girls these days haven’t been taught to sew as their mothers have been brought up in a world of manufactured clothing. This is about creating individual clothes and taking ownership of what you wear.”
Maree McDonald, one of the models and a local fashion commentator, said upcycling was the way forward: “Pre-loved clothes can be bought at very good prices at Endeavour Recycled Clothing stores and, by turning them into fantastic fashion items, it helps people with a disability in Toowoomba and across Queensland. I love the concept. Upcycling is an important development in fashion.”
The three golfers modelling the latest Calvin Klein Affinity golf apparel were Mike Hendry, Paul Spargo, and Peter Nolan. They got into the swing of it and took to the catwalk as if they’d been modelling all their lives.
“It’s great fun,” said Peter Nolan.
“The PGA asked who would like to do it and we all jumped at the chance. It’s all for such a good cause.”
No sooner had that event finished than four more golfers arrived at Endeavour Foundation Industries in Ramsay Street to pass on a few tips to the supported employees.
Matt Stone, Paul Hayden, Matt Ballard, and Kurt Carlson brought along a practice putting green and driving net to give the supported employees – people with a disability who receive employment, training and development opportunities through Endeavour Foundation Industries - a chance to show their skills.
Carlson, a winner on the Queensland Sunshine Tour, said it meant a great deal to him and his fellow pros: “I love doing these events as do the other guys. We all support the charities as much as we can.” He said.
“This has been a really good afternoon and has given us as much pleasure as it seems to have given the people here.”
Broc Greenhalgh, of the PGA of Australia, said such events are an important part of their itinerary: “The PGA and its members are happy to be touching all demographics in the community and especially the Endeavour Foundation clients.”
“This is an important relationship and we are so pleased to be able to support Toowoomba and the whole of the Darling Downs region. This is not just about four rounds of golf but being part of the fabric of society and playing our part in helping.”
The golfers were taken on a tour of the facilities at Endeavour Foundation Industries and were amazed at the range of business services it offers.
The supported employees took turns to putt, while avoiding the mini bunkers surrounding the hole, and also to drive into the net. There were high-fives all round as each showed they had the potential to be the next Greg Norman.
The four professionals signed golf balls to be raffled and went on their way back to the full-sized driving-range and putting green with dozens of good luck messages ringing in their ears.
Endeavour Foundation’s involvement with the QPGA is the latest in a number of events in Toowoomba in which Endeavour is a key player. The National Road Series cycling event, the Tour of Toowoomba which incorporates the Endeavour Challenge Community Ride, will be held Sunday June 19th.
Contact
David Coles, Media & Communications Officer
Phone:
Fax: (07) 3253 7271
Email: d.coles@endeavour.com.au
News
-
Swan and Macklin told employment is key to NDIS
May 18, 2012 -
Endeavour Foundation welcomes Commonwealth NDIS commitment
May 8, 2012 -
Out of Africa to out of this world
Apr 24, 2012
