Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Superman to the rescue




The auditorium at the Royal Rodale in Karachi witnessed a full house last week for a charity event organised by aCaus (A Collective Aspiration to Uplift Society). The event included screening of Superman Returns, with the proceeds going to a group of women who earn their livelihood by stitching and selling clothes. With the money raised from the event will be used to buy 20 sewing machines to be donate to these women to ease their financial burdens.

The film started almost on time; the minor delay gave the audience an ample chance to grab snacks. The semi-private event was attended by over 250 people, including acquaintances and well-wishers of the organization who turned up in significant numbers.

Even though the on-screen experience left much to be desired (inferior video quality and the image shifting off the screen) and the sound tab was a tad bit too high for our ears, the viewers’ behaviour remained impeccable. Late-comers were constantly being ushered in, but with a higher-than-anticipated crowd turning up, some had to settle on the stairs.

Raising money to buy sewing machines is not all that has been planned by this particular group. Plans are already underway for further fund-raising events. “We will try and hold an exhibition after Eid where these women can display and sell their dresses as well as attract interest from certain few parties,” said Sabeen Bashir. They will also try and introduce retailers to the group so that the markup lost to the middleman is retained.

As the curtains closed down, it was not only the audience that went home satisfied and pleased, it was also the hardworking organisers as well as the group of ladies who now have caring hands supporting them in their life’s work.

© Faras Ghani 2006

Published in Images (Dawn) 24th Sept 2006