Fashionistas stepped up to lend a hand to the victims of the Abbas Town carnage by putting up clothes and accessories on up to 40% discounts at The House of Ensemble on Saturday.
“We are not just sitting in our drawing rooms and talking about it [Abbas Town incident], but are making all possible contributions towards a cause which is to rehabilitate the victims,” Shezray Husain of The House of Ensemble told The Express Tribune.
When asked why action was taken only after this incident, Husain explained, “When things hit close to home, you react. Karachi is our home and any inhabitant of this city, who has grown up here, has a deep love affair with it.” She added, “No matter how far away you are from your hometown, Karachi still holds the key.”
The fundraiser, hosted by the House of Ensemble, offered a 40% discount on the outfits exhibited on stalls outside the store, whereas the collection exhibited inside, had a tag of 10% off on the goods. Besides clothes, bags and shoes were also on display along with bread baskets from high-end restaurant Okra. The charity event, however, could not garner a lot of supporters.
Naveen Dar, a working woman, who arrived at the event specifically to support the cause said, “I came particularly to support this cause. It’s a good effort and we definitely need to help the people who suffered gravely in this tragedy.”
Designer Nomi Ansari, who put up his outfits on sale, seemed determined to endorse the cause but lamented that Pakistanis, as a nation, are not supportive. “We are trying to help the people in need and relocating them in new homes. So far, we have sent out trucks containing basic necessities like bed sheets, soaps, etc.”
Yusra Askari, a journalist who is keenly involved with this cause and has managed to send out trucks full of useful items said, “It is our duty to help our own. This is not just charity, it is our responsibility.”
The donations collected from the fundraiser will be deposited to The House of Ensemble’s account.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2013.
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