An Invercargill exhibition featuring the wedding dresses of Kiwi celebrities has raised more than $42,000 to help vulnerable young people.

The Tender Memories display at Bill Richardson Transport World supported New Zealand charity KidsCan.

A portion of all ticket sales to the museum, the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world, during the display’s run was donated to the charity after it drew to a close on September 30.

Transport World executive director Joc O’Donnell says: "We are so grateful to the community for supporting not just our exhibit, but a very worthy cause as well.

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"Together we’ve already raised a fantastic amount which we know will make a real difference to so many young New Zealanders."

KidsCan CEO and founder Julie Chapman says $42,000 is enough to support 70 preschoolers, or two early childhood centres, for an entire year with a hot lunch every day, snacks, shoes, warm jackets and health products.

"This is an incredible amount of money, which will make such a difference to the vulnerable children we support.

"We'd like to thank everyone who visited this beautiful exhibition. It was an inspired way to raise money for children in hardship, and in this time of uncertainty the support is particularly important."

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The celebrity wedding dress display featured attire worn by the likes of Olympic medallists Emma Twigg and Barbara Kendall, microbiologist and 2021 New Zealander of the Year Dr Siouxsie Wiles, broadcasters Toni Street and Stacey Morrison, and cancer care advocate and Southland Charity Hospital founder Melissa Vining.

Tender Memories also featured a selection of wedding gowns from renowned bridal designer Trish Peng. Peng’s creations have featured in international publications including The Daily Mail, People magazine, HuffPost, and the holy grail of all things bridal, The Knot – plus they’ve also been worn by the likes of Kiwi Oscar winner Keisha Castle-Hughes, American actress Brittany Daniel, and television personalities Kristin Cavallari and Matilda Green.

Peng’s spectacular red bridal gown, which features a 20-metre silk tulle train, vintage Christian Dior lace, and hundreds of Swarovski crystals, was the striking centre piece of the display.