Edmonton designer using fashion to raise funds for Lebanon

Community members in Edmonton are stepping up to raise thousands of dollars in support of Lebanon’s displaced families. One fashion designer is helping by selling custom tops, featuring the lebanese cedar tree.

“I hand drew it myself and put some artistry into the design,” said Jessica Halabi, an Edmonton fashion designer.

Halabi thought of her country when created this design.

“I drew it with roots very deep because the meaning of this is ‘when the roots are deep there’s no reason to fear the wind.'”

As the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon intensifies, Halabi felt the urgent need to raise funds for a worthy cause. She was able to collect thousands of dollars within just days of posting her campaign on social media.

“I really thought I’d sell like maybe $800 and I thought that would be great. We sold about $12,000 in t-shirts and sweaters and I was like blown away. Like I can’t believe it.”

Jessica says the proceeds will help provide the essentials for about 150 displaced families, who currently reside in a school in Mount Lebanon, about 20 minutes from the capital city of Beirut.

According to the U.N., over 1.2 million people were forced to flee their homes due to the Israeli strikes on south Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburb. Zaf Osman is with the Lebanese group that Halabi is supporting with her work.

“Vulnerable groups are suffering the most. People had to leave at a flash so they couldn’t take any money with them. There’s no banking system in lebanon. You can’t just go to a cash point and withdraw 20 dollars. We don’t have this luxury,” said Osman.

Osman says long-distance support from people like Halabi keeps him inspired.

“Hot meals are very important and people are reliant on that. Hygiene kits, dignity pads for girls, nappies for newborns and toddlers. These are very very important,” said Osman.

Halabi added, “Just a little bit of our dollars or our time together can make a huge difference in this world.”