The Roof Gardens | Fashion Minority Alliance Fundraiser for Jamaica
The Fashion Minority Alliance One Love Fundraiser was an outstanding success, and I am deeply grateful to Lorraine Collins (BSc, MSc, MBACP) for inviting me to join the committee alongside Lord Aeneas Reay, Barbara Kennedy Brown, Karen Cummings-Palmer, Susan Bender-Whitfield, Yasmin Mills, and Daniella Helayel. It was a privilege to contribute at committee level to an initiative supporting schools and communities in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica- where my family is from, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Through the collective efforts of the committee and the generosity of the fashion, beauty, music and wider creative industries, vital funds were raised via a pre-loved fashion sale hosted at The Roof Gardens. Proceeds are directly supporting charities on the ground responding to the escalating impacts of climate change across the Caribbean.
Sincere thanks go to the exceptional brands and cultural figures who supported this cause, including Sade, Naomi Campbell, Naomie Harris, Grace Wales Bonner, Tilda Swinton, Anna Wintour, Manolo Blahnik, Dr. Martens plc., Bella Freud, Nanushka, Melissa Odabash MBE, ELEMIS, Penhaligon’s, and many others.
We were also honoured by the presence of His Excellency Paul Andrew Gomez, High Commissioner of the Bahamas, who shared powerful reflections on climate change and its impact on the region, alongside an impromptu and deeply moving performance by Beverley Knight.
A powerful example of what can be achieved when industry, culture, and community come together with purpose.
For those wishing to support the ongoing work of the Fashion Minority Alliance and contribute to recovery efforts, donations can be made here
By Shanna Bent
