TORONTO — This year’s BAC2Fashion event brought out more than 350 guests and raised $55,000 for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s seniors initiatives.
The Warehouse event venue in Toronto, draped in white and lit with purple hues, played host to the fifth annual charity fashion show on June 6. Fittingly, Warehouse owner, Jordan Morra, is a founding chair of BAC2Fashion.
The evening’s styles came from some of the top retailers and designers in Toronto, with inspiration drawn from as far away as Israel. The nine clothing lines, in order of appearance, were: Cloakroom, Christopher Bates, Over the Rainbow, Tana + Bee, Bustle, Intuition Men & Women, Millenium group “Desigual,” Jerome’s and Shenkin West.
Funds raised at the show will go toward programs at the Bernard Betel Centre, Meals on Wheels and the Circle of Care.
“Many seniors live in isolation, lacking social interaction and access to supports of all kinds,” said Jessica Taylor, manager of innovative initiatives at federation. “Community Connect programming such as the ones funded by the UJA help minimize this isolation and connect seniors to supports of all kinds – social, recreational, educational, health and wellness. These programs are vital for helping minimize the isolation many seniors face and to keep them living active, healthy and fulfilling lives.”
BAC2Fashion is just one example of the projects run by and for young adults through UJA’s Community Connect, Taylor said. “Our aim is to help connect young adults to opportunities in the community that are interesting and meaningful to them – be it through large-scale projects like this one, smaller-scale niche-focused events or leadership opportunities, there are many ways for young people to get involved.”
Carly Goldberg, one of the event chairs, along with Nicole Inwentash, Aly Paisley and Jordana Hart, said the cause is close to her heart.
“As young professionals, we understand the importance of giving back to the people and the community that has supported us and provided for us our entire lives,” Goldberg said. “BAC2Fashion and other Community Connect events provide us with the platform to do so and help demonstrate that importance to others. BAC2Fashion has truly proven to all those involved how amazing it feels to support our community.”
Hart said she and her co-chairs consider BAC2Fashion to be more of movement than a one-night event. “We strive to educate community members about vulnerable seniors, engage in meaningful experiences with seniors and raise funds for UJA’s initiatives.”
Aside from models strutting fashionably down the runway, the event featured a reception with live music, photo stations, a sweets table and a signature drink. Pop sensation Danny Fernandes also made a special appearance.
For more information about BAC2Fashion, visit www.bac2fashion.com.