Fashion
March 24th 2010
Modeling generosity
Miss World Canada contestant combines fashion with charity
U of M third-year pharmacy student and Miss World Canada nominee Angel Bhathal will be presenting Fashion With a Purpose, a fashion-themed charity event at Stereo Nightclub April 23. The event will feature local independent fashion and proceeds will go to support Canada’s Variety. by Eric Kwan
Fashion with a Purpose is a local fashion show organized by third-year University of Manitoba pharmacy student Angel Bhathal. The event is set to take place on Friday, April 23 at Stereo Nightclub and will feature local designers and boutiques in support of the children’s charity Variety.
The local fashion scene in Winnipeg continues to grow and, with continued interest and support, more charitable events will be able to take place in this artistic and cultural city.
The many boutiques in Osborne Village such as Hush, Paramix, Shout, Mixtape, Foxstar and Out of the Blue will present at the show, as well as independent designers, displaying the variety and diversity of Winnipeg’s fashion scene. Along with the local fashion being showcased, entertainment from Vicki Shae and Dance will also feature at the fundraiser event.
Amongst the support Bhathal has already received in making this event possible, Winnipeg Insurance, her main sponsor, has also contributed in making a difference.
“They can expect to see some of the trendiest fashions from local Osborne boutiques, and Winnipeg independent designer’s spring and summer collections,” Bhathal said when asked what guests can expect at the fundraiser.
Being the only contestant from Manitoba for the Miss World Canada 2010 pageant, Bhathal will use every opportunity to spread awareness about Variety, hoping to raise funds to support children with special needs.
“I understand how important it is to help others. Variety helps children with special needs, it improves the quality of life of less fortunate children, which can go a long way and help these children reach their dreams and goals.”
Fashion is something Bhathal is surrounded by with her friends’ involvement in the industry.
“I have been surrounded by my close friends (who) are extremely talented designers, and I have had a lot of opportunities to organize and participate in many local fashion shows for different organizations, such as the Manitoba Museum, the Children’s Foundation, Ginny Dolls, Osborne House and the MAC AIDS fund,” Bhathal said.
Although it is a pageant, the criterion needed to succeed involves fundraising, involvement in charitable organizations, as well as intellect and talent.
“I chose to be a part of the Miss World Canada pageant because I was very intrigued by the ways in which the pageant is a fundraiser for Variety. It focuses on inner beauty and it empowers women to make positive changes in their communities. I admire the pageant’s cause.”
Fashion with a Purpose begins at 8 p.m. at Stereo Nightclub. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Canad Inns Windsor Park front desk (1034 Elizabeth Rd.).
This article appeared in Volume 64, Number 24 of The Uniter, published March 25th 2010.
