South Sudanese models to hit runway in Obakki to raise funds for construction of clean water wells

Vancouver-based designer line Obakki^[1] is teaming up with Holt Renfrew’s H Project^[2] for a feel-good fashion fete.

The label will be hosting the Walk for Water fashion show^[3] at Holt Renfrew^[4] (737 Dunsmuir Street) on May 10 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. to benefit the Obakki Foundation^[5]’s efforts in providing clean water for individuals living in South Sudan.

In accordance with the theme, the show will feature top models from both Canada and South Sudan, including Ajak Deng, Grace Bol, and Achok Majak, who will be sporting apparel and accessories from Obakki’s 2016 spring/summer and fall/winter collections. Many of the Sudanese models have rebuilt their lives after fleeing the war-torn conditions of South Sudan and are now taking to the catwalk to improve the living conditions of those in their home country.

Sudanese DJ and activist Mari Malek and UN refugee goodwill ambassador Ger Duany, a model and actor who was mentored by Mark Wahlberg after arriving in the U.S., will speak at the event. Activist, musician, and writer Emmanual Jal will also be present to perform his unique brand of hip-hop, which reflects upon his past in and rescue from Sudan where he was a child soldier.

All proceeds from the show, as well as 10 percent of Holt Renfrew sales following the event, will go toward the Obakki Foundation. Tickets are $150 and include admission to the show and reception, as well as canapes and live music. Limited VIP tickets are also available for $300 and include front-row seats, a special reception, gift bags, and more.

The Walk for Water fashion show serves as an extension of the Obakki Foundation’s Scarves for Water^[6] program, which has so far built 10 clean water wells in South Sudan through the sales of its special modal-blend scarves ($29 each).

For every 500 scarves sold, a clean water well is built in a South Sudanese village in need. In total, the Obakki Foundation has brought clean water access to approximately one million people in Sudan by constructing or rehabilitating 820 wells.

The scarf is currently available in six limited-edition colours, including the recently released Brick, a soft orange-red that benefits the village of Mayen Atol. They can be purchased exclusively through Obakki’s online store^[7].

For more information about the Walk for Water fashion show, or to purchase tickets, click here^[8].

References

1. ^{^} Obakki (www.obakki.com)
2. ^{^} H Project (www.holtrenfrew.com)
3. ^{^} Walk for Water fashion show (www.straight.com)
4. ^{^} Holt Renfrew (www.straight.com)
5. ^{^} Obakki Foundation (obakkifoundation.org)
6. ^{^} Scarves for Water (obakkifoundation.org)
7. ^{^} online store (www.obakki.com)
8. ^{^} here (www.eventbrite.ca)