McClung's Magazine

By: Otiena Ellwand

Photo from www.facebook.com

Nathalie-Roze Fischer and Caroline Shaheed are two exceptional multi-taskers who know how to get things done. Although the women have completely different jobs and live at opposite ends of the city, they each decided to do their part and organize two unique fundraising events with all proceeds going to Haiti relief.

“Like many people, I’ve been deeply saddened by the news of the disaster in Haiti and I wanted to do something concrete to help,” said Fischer, owner of the trendy Queen St. East boutique, Nathalie-Roze & Co. “Women and children are the most vulnerable targets of violence and corruption in a chaotic, lawless environment.  Many children have been orphaned by this disaster. …At the same time, women and kids are often the most resilient, driven and resourceful in any community— particularly in a crisis.  I’ve heard that very young Haitian women are already mobilizing make-shift care centres for the sick,” said Fischer, who is part Haitian and who still has family there.

Fischer decided to get neighbourhood businesses and community members together to host an indie fashion market, jumble sale and gourmet bake sale called SHOP for the CAUSE 2. It will be held this Saturday, January 23 at the Presbyterian Church at 947 Queen St. East.

The first SHOP for the CAUSE raised $16, 000 for the victims of the 2005 Tsunami, Fischer hopes this one will be just as successful. “I knew a collective effort could result in something much more substantial,” she said.

On the west end of the city, Caroline Shaheed, managing editor at CHEEKmagazine.com and recent Ryerson graduate, is busy getting the magazine ready for production. At the same time, she’s fielding calls from people who want to volunteer, donate and take part in the event she’s helped organize called Haiti, Je T’aime. The benefit show to be held this Monday, Jan. 25, at the Revival Bar at 783 College St. The show will feature DJ sets from Eon of Bedouin Soundclash, k-os, and Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene, among others, a silent auction and more.

So jam-pack your next few days with good karma. Get your shopping fix this Saturday at SHOP for the CAUSE 2 and then come Monday, get into your new jumble-sale outfit, and break out your dance moves at Haiti, Je T’aime.  But most importantly, do what you can do; volunteer, donate, spread the news, or just simply attend and have fun.

See y’all there!