Project KPH launches project with Kiwi fashion designer

15 February 2012

Project KPH launches latest special project with Kiwi fashion designer

Project KPH has launched its latest special project which sees a seven year old boy begin the journey of manifesting his dreams of a career in fashion design.

Project KPH is a youth focused charity which offers opportunities to young people living with terminal illness, disease, disability, and/or other special conditions, to experience the rewards of realising their talents and dreams through unique projects that fit their passion and interests.

The project aims to provide a safe, positive, and encouraging environment to nurture and develop natural abilities and interests by getting up close and personal with the cream of New Zealand’s talent to build a bank of sustainable skills and resources.

In the latest project, KPH has partnered with renowned New Zealand designer Annah Stretton and her team to ensure a talented seven year old boy, Torenzo, can have the opportunity and challenge to be mentored, and design and produce a piece with the immediate goal of entering it into a wearable art competition.

"This is a hugely exciting project," says Project KPH founder Leah Evans, who has been working extensively behind the scenes to try and make this happen for Torenzo without his or his family’s knowledge.

“It was a great feeling to make the phone call and offer Torenzo the opportunity to undertake this special project just for him. The whole family are very excited about it and so are we. It’s a big project which will have huge scope for Torenzo’s future,” says an elated Leah.

The project wasted no time putting its objectives into action with Nelson based Torenzo and his Dad flying up to meet with Annah and her team today. Torenzo spent a day in the life of a designer and was mentored on designs intended for competition later this year..

“As part of this project, Torenzo’s garment design will be auctioned after the show and those proceeds will go directly to an account set up for Torenzo’s tertiary education. We are trying to help build a complete platform of resources so he is set up with what he needs to achieve his dreams,” says Leah.

“Project KPH literally runs on the smell of an oily rag. It is completely funded through sponsorship and donations, with all funding spent on projects for these deserving kids. The administration and support are all provided on a voluntary basis.

“It’s just magic that Annah Stretton and her team have chosen to support Project KPH in its endeavours to make this wee boy's dreams a reality. We’re very grateful and it’s fantastic to work alongside the talent we need to create success for Torenzo.”

Project KPH was established by Rotorua woman Leah Evans in October 2007, taking two “rev heads” with Cerebral Palsy to Pukekohe for Round One of the tier one motorsport competition. Since then, over one hundred children have participated in events and activities across New Zealand.

“Project KPH has had an unbelievably positive impact on these children and their families, it’s humbling, it’s magic. It’s an experience that is unique and holds true meaning for them.

“While these kids may have different individual challenges, they all have one thing in common – a passion for making the most of life. We try to help make that happen – it’s a simple format with genuine Kiwi heart, it just seems to really work.”

For further information about Project KPH, check out www.projectkph.com

ENDS

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