Note: this article was written right after the Fashion Show in February 2024.
Bishop’s University provides students with many opportunities to get involved on campus. The uniqueness of Bishop’s and its small size gives students an invaluable chance to connect with the school on a deeper level and create lasting relationships with peers. Getting involved in anything on campus will help your personal growth and development outside of academics. It will give you an outlet to connect with others and take your mind off school work. Personally, getting involved on campus empowered me, enhanced my personal development, connected me with individuals I otherwise would not have met, and taught me so much outside of the classroom. One initiative on campus that has made me grow and flourish incredibly involves a catwalk and a cause.
The Charity Fashion Show
The Charity Fashion Show event has been a tradition at Bishop’s for over 15 years. It is a production that typically occurs in February and includes many students and volunteers who collaborate to raise money for a local charity that is selected each year. We partner with brands to showcase clothing on stage and give local stores a chance to be seen and marketed. The Charity Fashion Show is a not-for-profit organization, and while the production occurs in February, the selection process for the committee and models is in September. We then spend the better part of the year hosting fundraising events and participating in charity events. After the show, all proceeds go directly to our charity of choice. In previous years they hit a record with about $20,000 raised for the Appalachian Corridor to protect natural areas in the Appalachian region of Quebec.
I heard about the charity fashion show through friends in my first year and auditioned as a model, but the show was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid-19. I was sad to see our efforts not be able to reach their full potential. However, the limited time I had showed me how amazing and fun this initiative really is. I auditioned the following year as a model again and was able to fully experience the efforts of the show. I made so many friendships and felt a part of something truly inspiring. This only made me want to get further involved and have a greater impact on the show.
Get involved for a cause
In my third year, I decided to step out of my comfort zone even more and applied to be a part of the committee. I applied as the assistant coordinator and was given the position alongside my roommate and friend. This allowed me to be a part of the full workings of the production and their efforts for charity. As assistant coordinators, we aided in organizing and setting up fundraising events, choreographed scenes for the show, and communicated with university faculty and brands to acquire a venue and clothing for the show.
The charity of choice was the Dixville Foundation, located right here in Lennoxville. We worked closely with Donald, the Executive Director, to gain exposure for the fashion show and kept him updated on our efforts. Donald also allowed our models to volunteer at Dixville and work one-on-one with the individuals they were helping. We got a feature in the Sherbrook Record newspaper and hosted a community fashion show for members of the Dixville Foundation and local residents to attend.
Breaking records
Through these efforts, Bishop’s Charity Fashion Show hit record-breaking numbers and had an immense impact on the Lennoxville community and the school. The theme being “Embrace,” we wanted to make everyone feel included and empowered. We opened our doors to any student who wanted to be involved and gave everyone the opportunity to participate. This really shined through during the preparation and execution of the show. Models and committee members made lasting friendships and enjoyed every step of the process. Models felt empowered on stage, and we watched many people step out of their comfort zone and thrive.
At the end of the show, we got to announce the total we raised for Dixville: $28,000! It exceeded all previous fashion shows and set a record.
Next year, I will step into the head coordinator role and have the pleasure of choosing our charity. The Charity Fashion Show was a highlight of my time at Bishop’s, and I can’t wait to see what we do with it next year!
