Be Kind Raises £1100

Be Kind Movement charity hosted it’s first charitable event on Sunday19 July that depicted the versatility, beauty and grandeur of India’s most sensuous garment whilst raising funds to support the homeless women in London.

 

Anchored by BBC Radio 4’s Viji Alles and set against the backdrop of vibrant flowing Sarees and dupattas, the ‘Many Avatars of the Saree’ event saw guests networking, raising funds and celebrating the many ‘Avatars’(manifestations) of the Saree.

 

Fashion designer Jyoti Chandok passionately engaged the audience in an interactive discussion on the myriad fabrics and styles from across India whilst trained classical dancer and journalist Poonam Joshi elaborated on the origins of the Saree.

 

The draping workshop led by Violet Monis, yoga guru and latterly celebrity stylist and fashion designer to some of Bollywood’s delectable divas including Vidya Balan, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra to name a few, culminated in a fun mini catwalk.

 

The wonderful raffle prizes generously donated by the vendors at the event were very well received by the guests.

 

The afternoon was perfectly summed up by Rinku Naidu, the winning entry of the ‘What’s your Saree story’ competition, “‘wearing a Saree means carrying the pride of my country, the responsibility of being a lady and the sense of having a strong bond for my family”.

 

The hosts raised a humble £1100 from the event that will support Be Kind Movement’s goal to fund initiatives that empower disadvantaged and underprivileged women.

 

Eaves, a women led organization for women, will be the chosen recipient of the funds. Their Life Skills Service is a specialist advice and advocacy service for women who are affected by violence or are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

 

Services offered include support and advice around housing options, health, education, training and employment.

 

A speech by Premila Puri Makh, Founder of Be Kind Movement, spoke of the charity’s vision to create meaningful interactions where people could collaborate with each other to shine a torch on the values of caring, sharing and helping.

 

She emphasized: ‘One KIND act can change someone’s life; Many such acts create a MOVEMENT’. She asked the audience to take a pledge to report any Acts of Kindness they see in public that reaffirms their faith in the goodness of people.

 

A large number of the audience took the pledge in writing and promised to write to the Be Kind Movement with stories of kindness that they witness around them that will be featured on the Be Kind Movement’s website.

 

The evening concluded with a heartfelt thanks to the sponsors: Asda Feltham, Eden Water, Forever Fairy, Gooseberry Bush Centre, Melissa’s Cakehouse and Nihaar Bakes and to the female entrepreneurs who showcased their wares: 101 Creations, Aliveni, Apnas, Bubbles Jewellery, Innate Designs, Jyoti Chandok Ltd, Sreshtha Designs and The Far East Art Studio.