Rachael Finch is passionate and sympathetic, say charities

A charity has leapt to the defence of Rachael Finch after she was labelled "demanding" by a former manager.

The former Miss Universe Australia was accused of demanding money to appear at a charity fundraiser by an ex-manager currently fighting over commission from her earnings around the time that she took part in the beauty pageant.

However, charities who have dealt with the model have refuted Grant Dwyer's claims, which were made in his legal battle with Deborah Miller - another of Finch's former managers.

Dwyer told Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court this week that Finch requested an $8,000 (£5,400) fee for helping out at a McHappy Day event. Finch has now said that the money was simply part of an ongoing deal with Ronald McDonald House Charities.

"I enjoy supporting and working with a variety of charitable organisations and my goal is to help raise awareness on the issues these charities are about," she told The Daily Telegraph.

A spokesperson for McHappy Day supported her, saying: "We value our relationship with Rachael, who has been a dedicated and passionate supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities and McHappy Day."

Finch's current manager David Malina said earlier this week that his client does not wish to comment specifically on the court case between Dwyer and Miss Universe Australia's national director Miller.

> Rachael Finch to marry 'Dancing with the Stars' partner Michael Miziner
> Rachael Finch: 'Swimsuit modelling suits my life'