Page 12 - NLN Feb18

Karen Johns MORETON BAY

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Citizen of the Year Award recognises Karen knew what it was like to feel like there
an individual for their outstanding wasn’t anyone there in a time of great need.
contribution to the Moreton Bay She was already assisting other victims
community during the preceding year, of domestic violence, she is a qualified
or over numerous years. The winner teacher with pastoral experience with a
is an inspirational role model for strong passion for empowering women.
Dare Formal Wear came about quite by
the community and demonstrates a accident, but by providing a service and
continued commitment to their field. product which is in itself empowering to
women, it has been the platform for her to
The 2018 recipient of the award is Karen offering support and fill the gap connecting
Johns, founder of Dare Formal Wear, a domestic violence victims to many other
not-for-profit charity helping victims of specialist services.
domestic violence.
The formal wear store
The concept came to “ I accept the award on that Karen runs, now
her after living through boasts some of the most
a domestically violent behalf of Dare’s volunteers stunning gowns, formal
relationship herself and and the community dresses, wedding and
through a variety of bridesmaid dresses, as
life experiences. support, without it, nothing well as some more casual
would happen. Well done!” dresses. You can complete
She was given some your look with shoes of
formal dresses as a kind every colour and size, jewellery, handbags
donation, and not quite knowing what hairpieces, even race day hats!
to do with them, she pushed it to the Big Local would like to congratulate
back of her mind. It wasn’t until someone While appreciating that her hard work has Karen and all of the Australia Day
suggested that she could sell them, been acknowledged, Karen knows she Award recipients!
whilst trying to assist a woman in need wouldn’t have received this award without
of housing, that the idea for Dare Formal the help from her volunteers and wishes to
Wear sprung up. thank them for their unwavering support.

DARE needs your help!

To find out how you can donate or volunteer, visit - www.dareformalwear.com.au