The first morning of December, Cornubia’s Natasha Krelle slipped into a blue-green checked linen dress – the same one she will wear every day this month to help raise awareness and funds in the fight against human trafficking.
This marks the eighth year Mr Krelle has fundraised for the Dressember campaign, which involves participants wearing the same dress or tie for all 31 days of the month to start conversations about slavery and exploitation.
The challenge is designed to take people out of their comfort zones, and take away their freedom of choice.
For Ms Krelle, an avid outdoorswoman and mum of three boys, she likes to add a little bit more to the challenge.
“Every year I’ve done something a little different just to challenge myself, essentially because wearing a dress is actually really easy for me,” she said.
Over the years she has worn dresses while paddle boarding, swimming, hiking, mowing the lawn and even jumping off rocks.
“Sometimes in summer, you just want to put a pair of shorts on or you want to be cool or you want to go swimming and not have all this fabric around you.
“Particularly if you’re a very outdoorsy person, it can be a bit odd.
“At pilates the other women are like, ‘Why?’ But that’s the talking point.”
Last year, Ms Krelle extended the effort to 100 days, but wore a different dress each day.
Her husband, Simon, joined in on the challenge, but opted to wear a tie – becoming the first man in Australia to take on the challenge.
Ms Krelle said the act of wearing a dress was simple, but it represented a harsh truth.
“It’s that freedom that’s taken away from you… that freedom of choice essentially.
“This is about creating change and bringing hope… and that’s what Christmas is all about.”
Through Dressember, Krelle raises money for International Justice Mission, one of the world’s largest anti-trafficking organisations.
Two other Logan women she knows are also participating this year.
Over the last eight years, Ms Krelle has raised more than $17,000.
This year her goal is $1500, and she’s on track to reach it.
But don’t worry – the dress gets washed of a night.
To donate, visit: dressemberaus2025.funraise.org/fundraiser/natasha-krelle
