It takes a mere moment in time for a Typhoon to destroy a country, demolish homes, and extinguish hope and happiness for the holidays.

What does it take to bring that hope back?

Shop for Hope – Vancouver businesses and organizations are offering Vancouverites a unique opportunity on Sunday December 22nd from 10-5 at 1320 Richards Street to actively take part in the global relief effort for the Philippines by shopping – Yes, shopping.

Fashionable clothing items will be auctioned off or sold at tag price with all proceeds going directly to CMAT (Canadian Medical Assistance Teams).

Last minute Christmas shopping will never feel like this again; in the spirit of the Holidays, make a difference; put your heart into it. Everyone can help.

Maria Kritikos, the founder of Ladies Who Lunch, has organised the event after calling upon a group of Vancouver Organizations to help.

Contributing to this initiative is Style By Sarai’s fashion stylist and co-founder of 1Karma Events Jason Sarai who will be donating some high-end pieces, The Wall Group of Companies for graciously offering the use of their presentation centre for the event, Director of Marketing Linda Chu from Rennie Marketing Systems and the aCue Creative Consulting team and CEO Kaare Long.

Unsold donations will go to Dress for Success Vancouver to help low and no income women transitioning into the workplace, and My Sister’s Closet in support of battered women.

Community efforts like this one deliver strong global awareness at a time when there are distractions all around us.

There are millions who will not have a home for the holidays; we must do all that we can to help.

For more information, please visit Facebook page Fashionistasforphilippines for more details.