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November 02, 2006
Fashion for a cause
Raising money by organising fashion events is now a growing trend as people are more willing to loosen their purse strings at glitzy, glamorous events rather than donate at low-key gatherings, writes Anusha Khan
What do 30 French models, designer par excellence Mahmood Bhatti and an NGO for special children, have in common? The motivation to make life better for those who cannot do it themselves. Many a times, the fashion industry is written off by cynics as being shallow and superficial – but sometimes efforts are made by fashion veterans to bring about a change in the society.
Raising money by organising fashion events is now a growing trend as people are more willing to loosen their purse strings at high profile events rather than donate at low-key gatherings. That is the reason why many a fashion icon, singer and actor have become ambassadors of non-profit organisations and carry out fund-raising for them by holding fashion shows, rock concerts and theatre performances.
Keeping up with this trend, in the first week of November, the glitz and glamour of the fashion world will join hands with Umeed-e-Noor, a centre for special children. Mahmood Bhatti is organising fashion shows in four cities of Pakistan to raise money for the centre, which has been taking care of special children since 1996.
The centre is currently tending to 70 children with special needs, out of whom 30 reside within the premises of the centre while 40 are attended to during the day. A staff comprising 25 people –– including a speech therapist, physiotherapist and teachers –– runs the facility.
The centre is now aspiring to construct a custom built school-cum-home, where 300-500 children –– in addition to those already living at Umeed-e-Noor centre –– can be accommodated.
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