Hastings students transform op shop items for charity
Presbyterian Support East Coast’s REDEFINE competition has this year become part of the NCEA Syllabus at some Hawke’s Bay Schools.The popular op shop competition requires entrants to transform an op shop item into something new and unrecognisable from what it was before.Karamu High School has included the Redefine competition as part of the Fashion and Textile course for the students’ NCEA assessment. Karamu High School Fashion and Textile Teacher, Julie Burn says it’s a great opportunity for the students to be part of a community event and get credits for it at the same time.“It’s really concrete and something the students can get passionate about. It gives them a good reason to work towards something very satisfying but at the same time they can work towards their NCEA,” Julie says.“It is also community participation and promotion for the students. It puts them more in touch with the community and what is going on. Karamu High School Student Rutendo Sikupa is making a bag out of an old African Dress. “My creation will have a bit of old, new and also have a cultural element to it. I have been experimenting with different patterns and craft. REDEFINE is great because you can be involved in a community event but also earn credits towards NCEA at the same time.”Student, Tegan Winter is entering the Book Worm category where she has set herself the challenge of transforming an old book into a vintage dress.“I love op shopping so this provides the perfect opportunity to merge two passions,” Tegan says.
“I love transforming something old. It’s a good cause because we can help the community, but also work towards our NCEA by being creative. It’s also a good opportunity to get your name out there in the industry.”REDEFINE was launched three years ago in Hawke’s Bay to inspire people to shop at their local charity shop and the event was so successful that this year it is open to all op shoppers across New Zealand.Presbyterian Support East Coast Head of Marketing, Shirley Collins, says they have welcomed schools getting involved this year.“It’s great to see some young, creative flair in the competition. We have been impressed by the students’ passion and enthusiasm to get behind our three op shops and enter REDEFINE.”The REDEFINE competition has six different categories Book Worm, Surprise Us, Shabby Chic, Rework It, Domestic Goddess, Rework It and Hat Trick. Entries close September 1.All the funds raised from REDEFINE go towards supporting vital Presbyterian Support East Coast social services Enliven and Family Works.Winners will be announced at the REDEFINE event at the Taradale Town Hall on Saturday, 9 September from 10am until 4pm. Everyone is welcome – it’s a great family day out. Entries cost $5 for adults, gold coin donation for children or $10 for a family of four.There are some impressive prizes up for grabs including a night’s accommodation for two, with breakfast at Sky City Grand Hotel in Auckland.For more information about REDEFINE see www.psec.org.nz/redefine