An evening of inspiration, motivation and celebration would be how to best describe this year’s International Women’s Day.
Over 60 people attended the event that was held on the balcony of the Old Vic Inn with drinks, live music and canapés throughout the night.
The evening was hosted by the Canowindra Phoenix and raised over $700 for the charity Pay It Forward.
Pay it Forward is an Orange based charity and offers free access to pantry goods, fresh bread, white goods and furniture to community members in times of crisis.
Founding director of Pay it Forward and Orange’s Local Women of the Year Karlie Irwin, was this year’s guest speaker who spoke about her experience and how your background certainly doesn’t determine who you are.
“I didn’t always have the support I needed, I was homeless and living on the street at 14 and I have never returned to that house,” Karlie said.
Karlie Irwin was an inspiration to all as she spoke about how she started Pay it Forward from her own garage and has now expanded to a community shed located at 83 Glenroi Avenue, Orange.
Karlie has an extensive background in community service and saw a gap in helping those in need.
“It’s changing the way we support people in our communities and people can access the charity at no financial cost,” Karlie said.
If you or someone you know need help you can find Pay it Forward on Facebook or go to their website www.payitforwardcomshedorange.com