As part of her Pinup Doll journey, Mt Evelyn local Cherry La Blaze is bringing attention to domestic violence by raising money for RizeUp Australia.
The issue is particularly close to Ms La Blaze, who spoke to the ‘Mail’ about her own experience with domestic violence.
“I’m a survivor myself; I was in a psychological and emotionally violent relationship for 10 years,” she said.
“I left when my first daughter was 16-months-old.
“After that we had nothing, but I was lucky enough in that my dad set us up, brought us to Victoria and bought us everything.
“Following this opportunity I wanted to help those that didn’t have the same support that I had.”
That support has come in the form of a brooch which Ms La Blaze has designed.
Every 20 dollars from each brooch sold will go toward helping survivors of domestic violence.
“It’s inspired by this old 50’s style, and it’s an ladies face,” she said.
“When I was talking to Daisy Jeans designs who designed it we were trying to think of a name and she was telling me about her grandmother who was also a survivor, so we called it Barbara La Blaze; Barbara being her grandmother’s name.”
“Domestic Violence can affect anyone and it’s important to remember that it’s not always physical abuse.
“Emotional, psychological and financial abuse can also have life long effects that may never heal, but we can start to make a difference now.”
Ms La Blaze is also competing in the Pinup Doll Australia competition that celebrates vintage glamour.
The fundraising is part of the competition, though Ms La Blaze said she also aims to continue fundraising following the competitions conclusion.
“My fundraising won’t stop once my Pinup Doll Australia journey does, I hope to continue to advocate for this amazing organization and the survivors.”
Rizeup Australia is a community-driven organisation of passionate men and women, dedicated to supporting families affected by domestic and family violence.
