Standing up by standing still

By Steve Guntli

Models for a Birch Bay boutique helped raise more than $500 for charity by taking part in a live mannequin display.

On December 20, Betty Be Good, a clothing boutique in Birch Bay Square, helped raise money for the Salvation Army Deborah’s Gate project. Models from the Betty Be Good staff took 10-minute shifts standing in the window while wearing the store’s fashions. Volunteer models from the nearby Bob’s Burgers and Brew also donated their time.

Deborah’s Gate provides a safe house to victims of the sex trafficking industry in Canada. The charity has been operating since 2009.

“Survivors of sex trafficking face so many challenges on their journey,” Smith said. “They risk their lives leaving everything to escape the bondage of their trafficker. These women show incredible courage.”

Smith donated 10 percent of the shop’s Saturday sales to the charity. The boutique also donates 2 percent of their everyday sales to the Betty’s Liberty Closet fund. The Liberty Closet program provides Deborah’s Gate residents new clothes four times per year. To date, Betty Be Good has donated more than $4,500 to the organization.

For more information on the program, visit shopbettybegood.com or deborahsgate.ca.