Alone, Together: A No Gala Gala

One Girl Can is inviting the world to come together—all from the comfort of one's living room—in support of girls' education with their virtual fundraising event

One Girl Can is inviting the world to come together—all from the comfort of one’s living room—in support of girls’ education with their virtual fundraising event

COVID-19 has impacted the world in numerous ways. From casualties and closures to stay-at-home orders and strict social distancing rules, everyday life has completely shifted. Among the many businesses and organizations that have been burdened, charities have also taken a hit. National charitable organization Imagine Canada predicted a loss of $9.5 billion due to COVID-19 social distancing regulations. With this in mind, we have seen many charities find creative ways to ensure fundraising goals are hit—one of which being Vancouver-based, One Girl Can.

On Thursday, June 4, for the first time ever, One Girl Can is inviting the world to come together—all from the comfort of one’s living room—in support of girls’ education with their virtual fundraising event, Alone Together: A No Gala, Gala, presented by Beedie Foundation. Through education, One Girl Can aims to break the cycle of poverty and gender inequality. Now, they are asking for our help to make sure the more than 500 girls they sponsor are able to maintain their educational goals and bridge the gender gap, ensuring a more positive future.

Here in Canada, we’ve seen the economic and health impacts of COVID-19, but the repercussions have also had a profound effect on countries like Kenya, where One Girl Can actively supports girls in need. With school closures, many girls and women have been overburdened by becoming caregivers for their families and face growing domestic violence —making Alone, Together a crucial part of One Girl Can’s fundraising efforts.

“The global pandemic has affected societies and economies around the world—but cultural gains are being impacted too, with economists predicting women to be hit harder than men and existing inequalities to worsen,” says Lotte Davis, CEO and Founder of One Girl Can. 

Alone, Together is the reiteration of One Girl Can’s sixth annual IWANTtoBE fundraising event. Initially scheduled to take place in April at the Commodore Ballroom, this event is now open virtually to the globe in hopes of spreading awareness even further.

Hosted by Canadian actress and One Girl Can ambassador Mackenzie Davis, Alone, Together will feature a silent and live auction featuring coveted prizes including a Chloé handbag and virtual styling sessions with Mackenzie Davis’ stylist Karla Welchas well as her makeup and hairstylists. Not only do you have a chance to bid on some fantastic experiences, this virtual gala will also feature inspirational speakers broadcasting live from Kenya and a special musical performance by Los Angeles-based musician Rainsford.

“Now more than ever we need to focus on supporting the ingenuity and ambition of women across the global south,” says Mackenzie Davis. “We can’t look at gender as a side issue nor as a distraction from the current crisis; what we do now will affect the lives of many women and girls.”

Alone, Together is open to anyone who wishes to attend with registration by donation through Handbid. As an added incentive, AG Hair will send a gift basket valued at $95 to anyone who donates $99 or more at registration. 100 percent of the proceeds raised will go directly to funding scholarships to deserving girls living in extreme poverty in Kenya.

All you need to help support girls’ education and bridge the gender gap is a computer or the Handbid app. To learn more and to register, visit One Girl Can’s website.