Graffiti 2009-10

ALEX NICHOLSON

Teachers and students stop and think for a minute, what is the purpose of Fashion Show? To many of you the answer may have been an excuse to wear “revealing” clothing and dance on stage or to some of you the answer was a student-run show that is led by crazy b****es who think they are boss. But some of you may be surprised to know that the purpose of Fashion Show is actually to raise money for charity. Yes, charity. In fact, Fashion Show contributes 60% of the annual donations that are raised by North Toronto to be given to the deserving charity. So why is it that each year students are shocked to find out that they have to raise money? Perhaps it seems unlikely that a Fashion Show could generate that much money, but it’s true. This year’s charity is Not For Sale, which is a charity that is working to end human trafficking and slavery. We often take for granted all the opportunities that we are given here in Canada. But all over the world, including in own backyards, people are being enslaved.

This campaign focuses mainly on awareness of the issue. To so many of us, slavery is a thing of the past, when in fact it happens daily but is unfortunately invisible to most people. This is mostly due to the fact that people are in shock that such a terrible practice is still happening today. Here at North Toronto, our charity week really makes a difference. For the past couple years, we have raised an amazing amount of money and this year we would like to raise the most money ever. It seems impossible; how could a high school make a difference? Well, by spreading the word about human trafficking, getting involved in the events taking place during charity week, and supporting Fashion Show. I know it seems as if I’m advertising for the show, which I am, but it is because I strongly believe that this is a great cause and one that hasn’t gotten a lot of recognition. We shouldn’t live in a world where there are still 27 million people enslaved. We can be the ones to make a difference if we set our minds and our hearts to it. So get involved, have great homeform events, be creative, be silly, raise a lot of money. We can do it North Toronto.

Finally, to all of you, I hope that this was a wake-up call. Fashion Show is about so much more than the designs, the behind the scene work, and the modeling and dancing. It is about helping to support charity. It is a creative way to showcase the many student talents that North Toronto has. Just so you’re aware.