GRAND OPENING: Vancouver’s first Nordstrom store is one of the most highly anticipated openings this fall. Marking a retail renaissance in the city, the high-end specialty retailer will open with a charity fundraiser two days before its much-publicized Sept. 18 opening. Nordstrom Canada president Karen McKibbin and Vancouver manager Chris Wanlass made the announcement at a packed pre-gala reception filled with fashionistas, influencers and society darlings. The Seattle-based department chain, with stores already in Ottawa and Calgary, will underwrite the star-studded party benefitting B.C. Children’s Hospital, B.C. Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Covenant House Vancouver and the Vancouver Art Gallery. More than 2,200 guests will be treated to a sneak peek of the new store, as well as cocktails, dinner and exclusive runway show featuring fall fashions from the world’s top designers. With tickets ranging from $150 to $300 per ticket, the anticipated sell-out will net $100,000 each for the four local organizations.
PRIDE PARTY: With the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic ruling in favour of same-sex marriage nationwide, as well as pending Pride celebrations in Vancouver, handmade bathroom products retailer Lush announced the launch of its new Pride campaign #GayIsOK in support of LGBTQ equality. Believing everyone should be able to love freely, all 825 Lush shops across the world will ask their customers: “What if your love was illegal?” Customers will be encouraged to post selfies with the campaign’s fundraising product, the aptly named Love soap, a gold bar with the engraving #GayIsOK. The campaign aims to reach 100 million people with the message of love through social media. During its global launch, the campaign was already shared 10 million times in just 24 hours.
HELPING KIDS DREAM BIG: The Motion Picture Production Industry Association of British Columbia rolled out the green carpet for creative industry colleagues at their annual Stephen J. Cannell Golf Classic, named after the television executive who brought Hollywood north of the border. Golf enthusiasts once again came out swinging in support of Dream Big Productions, Templeton secondary’s acclaimed film program, helping at-risk youth build careers in the movie industry. Chaired by tournament director George Paterson, the day of golf and camaraderie drew members of B.C.’s creative economy for an evening of food, drink, networking and entertainment. After the last hole was played on the Fairway of Fame, players gathered with dinner guests for the wrap party. This year’s contribution added to more than half a million dollars generated over the past 27 years for local charity.
