The British Asian Trust, the UK’s leading organisation for British Asian philanthropy launched its first public appeal, Give a Girl a Future at an exclusive pre-London Fashion Week fashion event on Monday 12^th September. Held at London’s Waldorf Hilton, ‘Rise On The Runway’, in partnership with the GMSP Foundation, saw collections showcased by leading designers Raishma and Lucy Choi London. 

Television and Heart FM radio presenter Jenni Falconer hosted the evening, which was graced by acid attack survivors Laxmi and Adele, who inspired the room with an appearance on the catwalk. British Asian Trust ambassador Laila Rouass, British singer Sonique and ex-West Indian cricketer Carlos Braithwaite also attended.

It is the first event the British Asian Trust has taken part in since launching its appeal on September 7^th. The funds raised from the event will be donated to the Trust’s Give a Girl a Future appeal, with every £1 donated matched by the UK Government. Matched donations from the UK Government will support girls, women and their families across Pakistan in livelihood projects. 

Speaking at the event, Richard Hawkes, CEO, British Asian Trust said: “Tonight’s event in partnership with GMSP Foundation is a unique night of fashion and a chance to share the stories of vulnerable women in South Asia. Our first public appeal ‘Give a Girl a Future’ aims to transform the lives of girls, women and their families in South Asia and this will be an opportunity to raise funds to support the appeal and unlock the potential of a new generation.”

During the event, the British Asian Trust launched its first appeal video for Give a Girl a Future, featuring chart topping music producer Naughty Boy, British TV stars Anita Rani and Sanjeev Bhaskar, Bollywood icon Anil Kapoor and British actor Ray Panthaki.