DRAMARAMA is a Shepparton based group for adults with disabilities, run by Helen Janke, that provides members with the chance to showcase their singing, dancing and acting talents.
The group spend countless hours putting together showcases of their work and performing locally when the opportunity arises. In addition to providing a chance for creative output, a community has been cultivated where everyone supports each other and friendship flourishes.
Eve Girdwood, local fashion designer and Shepparton’s answer to Christian Dior, took her mum’s godson Leon to DramaRama meetings throughout 2021 and witnessed first-hand how wonderful the group is.
Leon dons the prestigious title of ‘Head of Wigs’ and Eve was in awe of how much fun and friendship the group affords its members. To commemorate the re-branding of her fashion label, Eve undertook 24 hours of sewing on Friday and raised funds which will go directly to DramaRama.
“When I first decided I was going to change my brand name, I didn’t want to announce it in a boring way because boring things and people aren’t my style. So, I thought of doing 24hrs of sewing and somewhere in the 24hrs, I’d change the name,” said Eve.
“I thought I could also raise money for a cause alongside everything going on and that would give me a pretty good reason to carry on throughout the event.
I was genuinely expecting to not even scrape by $200 and before I launched the fundraiser I was quite nervous that I’d look like a fool for expecting people to donate. However, people have been really, really generous, especially at a time where money is usually tight (Christmas having just gone, the pandemic, etc). It has really touched my heart to see people being so kind.”
The money raised will go towards a set of microphones, an amplifier, costumes and props and Leon is hoping for a new pink, curly wig.
Eve’s new brand name will be Nice Pines, with a focus on a more natural and therefore sustainable approach to what she puts out into the world.
“If I can rest easy knowing that my footprint and the footprint of my consumers isn’t impacting the planet, then I’ll be happy. You can’t put a price on generosity, happiness and the Earth,” said Eve.
