Some of the biggest names in Canadian fashion are teaming up for a fundraiser to support one Toronto’s biggest cancer charities on Monday.
For the tenth straight year, fashion designer Jeanne Beker is hosting “Jeanne Beker and Friends Open their Hearts and Closets,” a fundraiser that benefits cancer support centre Gilda’s Club.
Each year, various celebrities and designers such as David Dixon, Joeffer Caoc, Pink Tartan, NADA and Andy The-Anh donate high-end garments that are then sold at bargain prices.
“(It’s) all going to support this amazing organization which really is a port in the storm for so many people living with cancer,” Beker told CTV’s Canada AM.
In the past, donors have included CTV National News chief anchor Lisa LaFlamme, Canada AM’s Jeff Hutcheson, “Degrassi” actress Annie Clark and Beker herself.
Gilda’s Club was founded 14 years ago as a community organization to provide support to people living with cancer and their friends and families.
“All kinds of people—men, women and children—who are living with cancer, whose friends and families are living with cancer can come for support,” Beker said. “We have a host of experts here to help you. It’s just a wonderful place to make you feel a little less afraid.”
The club was named after actress Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989.
During the first year of the fashion fundraiser, Beker, a well-known television personality, sold her own clothing. Now, “all kinds of people have come on board,” she said.
Beker said the fundraiser is “all about positive attitude” and having fun while supporting a good cause.
“You’re dressed in something that you maybe saw someone wear on TV and it just makes you feel so good going out into the world,” she said, “and it makes the people who donated feel good.”
This year’s event is set to take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Gilda’s Club in Toronto, located at 24 Cecil St., in the area of Spadina Avenue and College Street.
There are now 20 Gilda’s Clubs worldwide, including two in Ontario.
