Top for swap

By Tania Martin
RACHAEL Kuiters is swapping clothes in a bid to find a cure for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The 20-year-old Montrose woman is hoping to raise more than $4500 for the cause and is hosting a clothes swapping night, just for something different.
She had originally planned to hold a trivia night but was told they were now considered old hat.
After watching a money-making show on television one night, Rachael came up with the idea to hold a clothes swap night with a twist.
For Ms Kuiters the syndrome is close to her heart.
She has worked with young children as a nanny since she was 16 years old.
“One of my friends also lost a sibling to SIDS,” Ms Kuiters said.
She is also doing social work at university and wants to do advocacy work when she finished school.
Ms Kuiters has been planning the even for the past month and is now calling for people to join in the night to help raise cash and awareness for the cause.
But the night is not only about swapping old clothes, there will be something for everyone to enjoy from games and even a silent auction.
Ms Kuiters said although she didn’t have any contacts for major clothing shops to sponsor the event, local businesses had been very encouraging.
Tickets for the night cost $7 per person and will include supper at the end of the night.
There will also be three rounds of clothes swapping and it will cost participants between $2 and $5 per item they swap.
“We restricted the rounds so everyone can get something good,” Ms Kuiters said.
Some of the donated outfits will also be modelled and sold as part of the silent auction.
There will be plenty of great items up for grabs in the auction including a signed Kiss Guitar and a 2010 signed Collingwood Football Club jumper.
In between the clothes swapping, people can take part in a number of games for a small fee including an air guitar championship.
A spokesperson from SIDS will also attend the night to discuss the risks of the syndrome which results in 88 babies dying each year.
The night will be held on Thursday 4 March from 7pm to 10.30pm at the Coach and Horses Hotel, 33 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood.
Those interested in this night of great bargain hunting should call Rachael to book a ticket on 0431 849 641 or book online at www.trybooking.com/DKB.