Caring About the Environment…How Chic!
I had the honour of attending the First Annual Fashion Auction Eco-Couture Gala & Benefit the other week.
Billed as Toronto’s Greenest Fashion event, guests were invited to get “green” with envy by strutting the grass carpet. Potential ticket purchasers were invited to see haute–couture pieces made from soy, hemp, bamboo and organic cotton.
And the marketing didn’t disappoint… Everything from the lighting, organic food & drink, right down to the Green Limousine was eco-friendly to ensure the lightest of eco foot prints were made.
Even better, this was a fundraiser with the proceeds going to support one of Canada’s leading environmental organizations: Environmental Defence (www.environmentaldefence.ca). This group is responsible for many eco wins since their formation in 1984 including – greater protection of our greenbelt, creation of the Oak Ridges Moraine as well as the protection of several endangered species in Canada.
The organizers thought of many creative ways for attendees to part with their money. As guests entered the event, they were encouraged to purchase a “swatch” of eco material used for the clothes to tie on a tree. There was also a fantastic silent auction featuring eco friendly products, a ‘green’ scooter for raffle and the piece de resistance?...five beautiful outfits available for live auction following the runway portion of the show.
In the fundraising world, it seems everyone is asking the same question. “How do we get more young people engaged and giving to our causes?” As I looked around the room, this group of young hipsters represented the very same group everyone is yearning for.
KUDOS to the organizers!
