Tallaght charity hosting high-end fashion sale this weekend in Rua Red
By Aura McMenamin
If you’re looking for a last minute buy before the weekend, you’d be well advised to check out the Rua Red Arts Centre this evening as never-worn designer women’s clothes are available for a fraction of their original price.
Lesser-known high-end labels Pieszak, Ilse Jacobsen and Libra have generously donated their end-of-line stock and sample pieces to the New Hope 4 Fashion fundraiser.
Fashionistas from the local area have also donated their own pre-loved designer and high-street clothes, which are in great condition, and all the proceeds will go to the New Hope Residential Centre.
New Hope is a rehabilitation centre in Killinarden, which treats men struggling with addiction issues with live-in support.
Aine Lebioda of New Hope spoke to Echo.ie about the charity, which occupies four acres of land on the old Hazel Grove golf course.
The charity’s fundraising officer, who is running the operation with fellow staff and residents, said the €1,000 they raised on Thursday was ‘phenomenal’.
She explained: “We take in people suffering from addiction who are self-referred or referred to us by Anna Liffey Drugs Project in town.
“We have 16 men on the programme who come from as far as Cork. They stay on the programme for six months before transitioning to ‘step-down’ houses in the area where they live together – but more independently for another six months.”
Lebioda explained why the treatment programme is a year long: “There are other programmes that are three months or six weeks, but they’re not enough.
“We noticed there was a gap in keeping the guys from relapsing after they did the programme.”
The long-term treatment service is Christian faith-based, meaning a relationship with God is encouraged.
She said: “Our faith provides us with a moral compass. New Hope is a three strand programme: we focus on education, work ethic and reintegration.
Lebioda said the men on the programme are encouraged to pursue education or volunteer in the community: “Social reintegration is a very important part of the programme. We organise a lot of social outings.
“Volunteerism in the community is something we encourage.”
