Bombo Clothing Co. held its sold-out fashion parade over the weekend, raising over $5000 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute.

The event, which took place at the Kiama Uniting Church, was a way for women to dress up for a good cause, enjoy some complimentary champagne and cupcakes, and have the chance to win a range of prizes.

Bombo Clothing Co. owner Sarah Atkins said the shop has contributed to the Gerringong branch of the Children’s Medical Research Institute for the Mother’s Day high tea fashion parade for the past nine years.

“This year, I kind of jokingly said we should do a fashion parade for the shop, and beautiful ladies at Gerringong CMRI made it happen,” Ms Atkins said.

“We’ve been operating for 18 years, and we wouldn’t have had that success without the support from our local customers and people who keep coming back to Kiama every year.

“This is another example of this support, and we’re super grateful.”

The Gerringong Children’s Medical Research Institute Committee has raised more than $2 million over 60 years, holding events ranging from a Mother’s Day High Tea, Jeans for Genes Trivia Night, Melbourne Cup Luncheons, and Quilt and Craft shows.

Vice President of the Gerringong Children’s Medical Research Institute Committee Lorraine Jolly said they have been raising money through cooking more recently.

“We put out an email, and people will come along; we give them the recipes, and they cook,” Ms Jolly said.

“I think this is easier in a small community than in a big city.

“The fashion parade was another great way to raise money; the girls did a fabulous job.”

The partnership between Bombo Clothing Co. and the Gerringong CMRI is one both parties hope to continue, with planning for next year’s fashion parade already underway.