Famed Canadian fashion designer Joseph Ribkoff is set to again help raise vital cash for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre during an exclusive fashion show this April.

The one-off show, which will be held on Saturday, April 2 at Orihuela Costa, is organised by long-time rescue centre supporter and Looking Good Boutique owner Louise Brandley.

A team of Joseph Ribkoff representatives will come from Canada with a huge collection of 2016 summer designs to show off. Tickets cost just €1 and will be donated to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.

“Joseph Ribkoff and his team are happy to help such a worthwhile cause. They have previously visited the centre and immediately agreed to help,” Louise said.

The April 2 fashion show begins at 12 noon and will be held at the Looking Good Boutique, Avenida Villamartin, 18 Centro Comercial Zenia Golf, Orihuela Costa. Reserve seats by phoning 966 760 479 or emailing info@lookinggoodboutique.eu and then pay on the day.

A second fundraiser is also planned for Friday, May 13, with Louise to host a lunch and fashion show at The Olympia Restaurant at Mil Palmeras from 1pm. A raffle and special sale rack will help raise cash for the rescue centre, with tickets available for €25 from the Looking Good Boutique and some Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre charity shops.

Louise has also convinced Joseph Ribkoff to donate several designs a year to sell or raffle as rescue centre fundraisers. The Looking Good Boutique has so far sold two Joseph Ribkoff dresses this year, raising €400 for the rescue centre, and has another two tops currently in store, with more designs on the way.

“I do what I do because I love the centre and their mixed bag of residents. I have heard a lot of the terrible stories that led to the rescue of some of the residents and these stories would break even the hardest heart,” Louise said.

“I have seen rescue centre founders Sue and Rod Weeding open their home to the public for rescue centre open days, work 365 days a year, do anything to get a vulnerable animal out of danger and turn themselves inside out trying to raise enough money to keep things going. This would be a challenge even to Richard Branson!”

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre relies entirely on donations to fund its important animal welfare work, including the feeding and care of the centre’s more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Donations of cash or items for the centre’s network of eight charity shops across the Alicante province are gratefully welcomed. A pick-up service is available to collect large donated items such as furniture and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased in-store.

Anyone interested in making a donation, becoming a long-term sponsor, or volunteering at the rescue centre or in the charity shops can call Sue on 652 021 980.

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga, 59, opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. Free horse tours run throughout the afternoon and refreshments are available in the café. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.