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r:Oxfam volunteers

A fashion show with a greener edge has been created by Norfolk volunteers to promote an awareness of recycling and its global effect.

The show, called r:Oxfam, has been put together entirely by volunteers from Volunteer Norfolk with the aim of raising money for Oxfam.

Different decades

The fashion show will use donated materials to recreate looks from five decades, ranging from the 1950s to the 1990s.

The volunteers will be divided into teams to work on a different era. Within each team there will be a collection of models, designers and make-up artists.

Secret auction

During the event, there will be a secret auction for some of the outfits. The piece that wins will earn the award for Best Recycled Outfit Of The 21st Century.

Karen Hudson, the youth volunteering advisor for Voluntary Norfolk is responsible for overseeing the r:Oxfam project:

"The project has been difficult and controversial at times, but it's been a great experience and there's been a lot of help from other volunteers," she said.

Anderson Yuill, full-time volunteer

Inspiration

Anderson Yuill, 24, one of the key organisers of the show wanted to be a part of a unique project in the city.

"We wanted to break the ice in Norwich. We wanted to have a fashion show that no-one else has done before. Every member of our team is sold on the idea and they've got a 100 per cent passion about the project.

"When I received the phone call from Karen to lead and build the team I was honoured to start the fire in these guys," he said.

New light on volunteering

While the event is designed to raise money for charity, organisers are hopeful it will revolutionise the way volunteering is traditionally seen.

By engaging young people's creative talent, it's hoped the r:Oxfam showcase will people think about volunteering and what it can often them in their future careers.

Rosanna Wynn-Williams, CSV volunteer

Rosanna Wynn-Williams, 23, one of the key organisers of the event stresses that volunteering can be fun.

"Since I have been in Norwich as a full-time volunteer, I've met such interesting people from a wide range of organisations. I love seeing how they link together," she said.

"From this experience I believe I'm growing in confidence and building skills that I may not have had the opportunity to develop otherwise."

Volunteering is enjoyable

Sam Holmes, one of the young volunteers working on the show, is the lead designer for the nineties section of the evening. He believes that volunteering is a really enjoyable experience.

"It's been awesome! I think that the best bit has been getting to know people. The project gives young people something to aim for and to have something to do with their spare time."

A lot of the volunteers have done honorary work in the past and believe that there are many different routes you can take to get involved.

Outfit customised by an Oxfam volunteer

"I did volunteer work for Oxfam before as work experience and I've continued making clothes for them to sell online and that's how I got into this," said 15-year-old model and designerΜύFlynn Staples.

"I enjoy doing it and it is going to a good cause," she added.

The r:Oxfam fashion show takes place at the King Street Community Centre, Norwich on Friday, 19 September, at 8pm. For more details call 01603 883827.

For more information on becoming a young volunteer, contact Karen Hudson at Voluntary Norfolk on 01603 883838.