Lauren Root – Features Editor 

The Bishop’s University Charity Fashion Show is one of the most anticipated events at our university all year long, and for good reason. The Fashion Show represents everything that Bishop’s culture is: fun, giving and dedicated.

  Organizing this show is no easy feat; it takes months of planning and endless hours of rehearsals. Yet every year, there are tons of students who volunteer their time to put on this fun performance for the entire school. It’s a source of pride for students to take part in this show, and also great fun for their friends. Supporting the university community is also a major aspect of this event. 

Image courtesy of Lauren Root

Every year, students attending dress semi-formal and bring their best energy to support their friends. Some even bring signs. This is the fun aspect of student life, being able to relax and enjoy themselves, even in the middle of midterms. By the presence in Centennial Theatre, you’d never know about the stress students are facing. They leave it all at the door, ready for one of the most fun nights at Bishop’s. 

Fashion Show runs deeper than just having fun, though; it’s also about giving back to the community in the Eastern Townships. Every year, the Charity Fashion Show raises money for a foundation in the Estrie region, and uses local brands to help raise the funds. As a small liberal arts university, Bishop’s prides itself on the direct impact it has on the community around it. Students are encouraged to volunteer in the region and give back to the community. This is just another event to showcase this important part of our student identity. 

This year, the charity chosen by the Fashion Show was Mental Health Estrie, which has a direct impact on people whose mental health impacts their way of life. Just like Bishop’s students, Mental Health Estrie is directly involved in activities around the region, which is why this is such a good partnership. 

Finally, the dedication that students show to making this event a success is truly remarkable. Every Saturday and Sunday from the months of October to February, students have rehearsals for the show. This intense time commitment is something students commit to, showing their dedication to perfection and to do well for their charity of choice. 

Some students who audition for their roles are nervous before performing, but push past their fears to get out of their comfort zone and to help raise money for those in need. Their dedication is truly inspirational, allocating so much time for this event even with all their other commitments, and it shows what it means to be a Bishop’s student. 

Fashion Show is one of the most anticipated events all year and it reflects Bishop’s student life and what it means to call this university home. Through their positive attitudes and the fun they bring, their generosity in giving back to the community, and finally, their dedication to their craft, Bishop’s students are people to admire. After all, who wouldn’t want to model fun clothes for a good cause! It is something truly unique to BU that both participants and spectators are lucky to experience.