SOUP, mulled wine and stylish pre-loved fashion are set to warm up the chilly setting of Zoo Advertising’s car park, when op-shop fashion parade Help From the Underground returns in June. 

The brainchild of Clint Hutchinson, Managing Director of Zoo and creator of this year’s highly successful Fashfest, “Help From the Underground”, now in its second year, will raise vital funds for 1,785 homeless people in Canberra.

The event will feature strictly op-shop clothing, worn by local models and styled by local hair and makeup artists.

Public Manuka will have a soup van at the ready to keep guests warm in the unheated venue, selling vegetarian soup and a hearty ham and pea ($5 a cup) with mulled wine ($5 a glass). They’re also selling raffle tickets for a $2,000 flight voucher.

Hutchinson says the fashion show is the main way he is raising funds for the annual Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout. He was the top fundraiser last year, with the 500 who attended last year’s fashion parade digging deep to help break the cycle of homelessness.

Aiming for a minimum of 600 guests this year, Hutchinson has an ambitious target of raising $36,000 – more than double generated last year at this inaugural charity event.

“All fun aside, this is a serious issue,” he says.

“The ACT has the second highest rate of homelessness of any state or territory. Domestic and family violence, housing affordability and family breakdown are all significant causes. And it’s men, women, young people and even children living without a roof over their heads.”

All money raised will be used by Vinnie’s to prevent homelessness and support those already experiencing homelessness.

Help from the Underground, basement, 59 Wentworth Ave, Kingston, 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start, June 12. Event is free (register for catering) but the aim is for those who attend to donate generously. Seats and standing room will be available but it’s first in, best dressed (no reservations).