Charity cocktail

A group of Pakenham locals enjoyed fancy beverages while raising money for a good cause. 121098_01

By Lia Spencer

A SMALL group of residents dressed-up, drank fancy beverages and dug deep to support an important cause last month.
About 25 people attended a cocktail party held by Vanilla Hair Salon De France owner Marie Hansen-Nooy at her salon, Fighting Fit, on 9 May.
Ms Hansen-Nooy said the group raised $873, with the help of donations from the West Gippsland Cricket Association and Crime Prevention MP Edward O’Donohue.
The money has been donated to White Ribbon to support the ongoing call to end violence against women.
Ms Hansen-Nooy said it was important to support the cause and educate young men on the impact of a violent and abusive relationship.
“There has been some horrific things done to women in the past year and it just means a lot of me to raise money with the help of the community in hopes that the world can become a better place,” she said.
“It gives me some peace and mind (to know I am making a contribution).”
Ms Hansen-Nooy has supported many charities in the past and hopes to continue fund-raising for other causes this year.
“I have been in contact with the Cultural Centre, and nothing is in concrete, but I hope to have a women’s day on Oaks Day to support another charity,” she said.
“I might have another fund-raiser for another charity around Christmas.”
Anyone wanting to donate to White Ribbon can do so through Ms Hansen-Nooy or directly on the website awww.whiteribbon.org.au.