Contributing to world peace through a celebration of glamour — this was the vision behind the second staging of Rotary T&T’s Hats and Heels, held on Sunday at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain.
The event aimed to showcase how fashion and philanthropy can unite to create a lasting impact.
According to Past District Governor, Rotary District 7030, Lara Quentrall-Thomas, the organisation aims to create environments where peace can flourish.
“Today more than 120 million people, including many right here in our beloved Trinidad and Tobago, are displaced and affected by conflict and violence, with more than half of them being children. As Rotarians, as individuals, as clubs, as an organisation, we refuse to accept conflict as a way of life.”
Coinciding with International Day of Peace observed on September 21st, Ms. Quentrall-Thomas reaffirmed that peace is at the heart of their mission. She explained that during this time of turbulence, turmoil and uncertainty, it is now critical for everyone to mobilise for peace.
“Peace is not just a word or a logo with a dove or an image on a screen. It requires action. All of us have the opportunity to speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, inequality. All of us can practise respect. All of us can embrace the diversity of our world.”
The event also gained international recognition as President of Rotary International, Stephanie Urchick, expressed gratitude to Rotary T&T for this initiative, which she described as a novel concept.
“We were started in 1905 with the idea that we would spread world understanding and peace, so it is amazing that clubs around the world, including yours, have taken on the message of peacebuilding.”
Apart from their contribution to peace, Rotary Clubs across T&T are engaged in projects that directly support education, health, youth development, the environment, and other sustainable initiatives.