VOLUNTEER Fariba Wright shares her dressmaking skill with Mirrabooka women, helping them with employment opportunities.
Ms Wright leads a weekly sewing class at MercyCare’s community support program in Mirrabooka, teaching participants basic techniques to professional alterations and dressmaking.
A dressmaker of 30 years, she has previously run couture design studios in the United Kingdom and Brisbane.
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READ NOWMercyCare celebrated the work of its volunteers this week to tie in with National Volunteer Week, held May 9 to 15.
Ms Wright said for many of the women English was not their first language so it could be difficult teaching techniques.
“Sometimes I have to rely on sign language, but they get the encouragement, advice and support from the classes and they learn from each other,” she said.
“It can be very empowering for these ladies – they are learning skills that can provide them with income, a job or they can make clothing for their families and local communities.”
MercyCare chief executive Chris Hall said they valued their 150 volunteers who gave up their time to benefit the lives of the community.