In Our Community /

Maree Lucas is a woman of many talents – school principal, farmer and event planner extraordinaire – and in April 2020 is back raising funds for a special cause with her annual M Factor Fashion Show.

Raising funds for Ronald McDonald House through fashion

Since

it began over 40 years ago, Ronald McDonald House Charities has operated under the mission to ‘create and provide access to a family-focused environment and support services for whānau with a child needing health care’.

Established as a home away from home, the aim each and every time is to keep families close as seriously ill children undergo treatment at a nearby hospital. In

2018 Ronald McDonald House New Zealand provided more than 4,300 families with accommodation – no small feat, given a night of family accommodation costs around $ 140.

Every cent counts and this has been a driving force for event organiser Maree Lucas who over the last 10 years has raised over $ 270,000 with her annual M Factor Fashion Show.

‘Fashion is such a positive, fun way to bring people together and this is no ordinary show,’ she explains. ‘We always make sure it is a really fun event and showcase amazing designers, but also have a range of Portfolio models and “real people” involved [including school children from Omihi Primary School in North Canterbury where Maree is Principal]. It’s wonderful to see people get out of their comfort zone and walk the catwalk, all in the name of charity.

‘Ronald McDonald House has always been such a special charity to me,’ she continues. ‘Made all the more special eight years ago when my nieces spent time in Starship, and my family needed to stay at Ronald McDonald House in Auckland.

‘I love fashion and with a background in event management it was a natural step to dedicate my skills towards achieving some good.’

Local businesses and suppliers come on board to help bring the night together, donating skills, time and even products to ensure each of the

300 attendees are not only wowed by the latest and greatest in local fashion, but enjoy a premier evening of entertainment, complete with drinks, nibbles and goodie bags. All proceeds from ticket sales, donations and sponsorship go directly to Ronald McDonald House. 2019 saw a record

$ 76,000 raised in one night. And Maree is hoping that 2020 will set another record.

‘This year is going to be even better than last year. We have a mix of the amazing designers from 2019, but also some new ones which is really exciting! There will also be a range of high profile models, dancers, fantastic auction items and what we love the most – gorgeous kids as part of the show.’