Coming from the charity and nonprofit Mecca of Palm Beach County (think days at the polo fields and American Heart Association galas at Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago), I couldn’t believe that there wasn’t a charity-driven publication for Denver.
Enter Karma Points, a weekly column drafted by yours truly on the hippest ways to contribute to society, because charity, fashion and culture can coexist in your daily life. Each week will include a fashionable item that donates a portion of proceeds, a volunteer opportunity, and a preview of an upcoming event like a charity concert, film festival or night at the bar.
Remember, “It’s better to give than receive.” Or something like that.
Fashionably Charitable
“Change Starts With Your Underwear,” or at least according to PACT it does.
Each pair is made with eco-friendly materials and responsible labor practices, plus it gives back to charity. These underwear just might put a different step in your pace.
Choose bikini, boy short or thong for women; and boxer brief, trunk or brief for men. Hearts to show your loving side, stripes for a change and bold solids for everyday wear.
Each $18-$24 pair gives back to the following charities: Architecture for Humanity, Creative Growth, Sierra Club, EarthSpark International, Citizen Effect, Green Belt Movement, ForestEthics, 826 National, Global Green USA and Oceana. Also, PACT has initiated clothing recycling, allowing online customers at wearpact.com to add a recycling kit to their purchase which they can fill with old clothing and mail back to PACT to be recycled.
Best of all, the local Blues Jean Bar in Cherry Creek North (250 Fillmore St.) carries PACT.
So showoff those undies, you know you want to!
Side note: Also, check out the Max Fashion Show on March 16 to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Center in the Breathing Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Partying and Playing for a cause:
As part of National Disabilities Awareness Month, 11 chapters of ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) of Colorado are partnering with Sprout Film Festival and the Denver Film Center to present Achieve With Us Colorado Film Festival on March 20. It will include an all-day gala along with screenings of films from all over the world highlighting the lives of people with intellectual disability and developmental disabilities; their struggles and their successes.
Showtimes are 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and take place at the Denver Film Society, Advance tickets are complimentary and can be reserved by calling 303-864.-334 ext 1. Tickets at the door are $10 for Denver Film Society Members, and $12 General Admission
Side note: Also, don’t forget about the St. Patrick’s Day event at Fado’s Irish Pub on March 16 to support St. Baldrick’s Foundation. And Make-A-Wish Community Night at the Denver Nuggets game on March 21.
Get Out, Get Up and Volunteer:
Spend a day scaling the mountain while volunteering with First Ascenders.
The 5-month-old charity, First Ascenders, was built on the idea that as Denverites, a day of playing in the mountains are a short 30 minutes away and if you haven’t hiked the Flat Irons or heard about 14ers, well, you’re living in a hole; But for many inner-city children, the mountains are visions that have only been seen on a screen or heard of in a story. First Ascenders runs programs to take these children rock climbing either for a weekend or for a few weeks over the summer with a goal to “help urban teens develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, self-confidence, physical fitness and a greater awareness of the outdoors.”
The organization works in conjunction with Colorado Mountain Club and DSST Public Schools, and they are always looking for another helping hand to either assist on rock climbing expeditions or to simply help mentor and tutor that children that First Ascenders serves. For more information on volunteer opportunities visit firstasceners.org or email Kevin Riley at kriley@firstascenders.org.
That’s a wrap for week one. Moving forward, if you hear of a charity event or volunteer opportunity, don’t be shy! Email any tips to me at 303charity@gmail.com or tweet at @ashleymccredie.
Keep smiling, keep giving.