A Fashion line for Stroke Survivors
16 September 2009
Yvonne looks stunning in a red cocktail dress while Rastam looks all casual and smart in a short-sleeves Hawaii-themed shirt over a white singlet.
Ever wondered how stroke survivors get dressed? Because stroke survivors are paralysed either on the left or right side of their body, the simple act of grooming is an everyday challenge. On 16th September, The Truly Loving Company (TLC) and National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM) have organized a fashion show to showcase a line of clothes that is tailor made for stroke survivors. This is in conjunction with TLC’s second donation of RM10,000 to NASAM. Renowned fashion designer, Carven Ong very kindly offered his expertise in the designing of the outfits.
Carven Ong, with his usual flair, came out with 6 outfits for females and 4 for males. He indicated that designing this line of clothes was an eye opener as it enabled him to understand the needs of the stroke survivors. His designs incorporate user-friendly features such as velcro fasteners in place of zips, extra large press studs which can be used with one hand and elasticized waistbands for ease of dressing and undressing.
An attractive feature for one of the dresses is the raglan sleeve – the sleeve which extends in one piece from the collar, leaving a diagonal seam from the collarbone to the underarm-which was named after the 1st Baron Raglan. The sleeve was designed to fit his coat for the arm lost in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Ong says: “The Raglan sleeve came into fashion in 1855. It is now widely used not only in ladies clothes but also in T-shirts.”
The stroke survivors perform a unique fashion show with Carven Ong tailor made design.
Janet Yeo, Founder Chairman of NASAM commented, "Most clothes are designed with zips at the back or at the side, or buttons at the back or even clothes we slip on from the top. Stroke survivors, with limited motor skills would need help in dressing up. If clothes that are disabled friendly are made easily available in normal retail stores, stroke survivors can then be more independent in their everyday personal grooming"
Julia Chong, Founder and CEO of TLC, explained that creating events with each charity partner allows her and her team to understand and empathize with what each of them are faced with. She added that the RM10,000 donation was part of TLC's long term mission and commitment in supporting its Charity Partners. "We hope the fashion show will create awareness to designers to make clothes more user friendly for the stroke survivors or the disabled. We all take simple things like getting dressed for granted" she commented.
The event was graced by YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development who said, "I am happy to see the close cooperation and partnership between NASAM and The Truly Loving Company (TLC). Although one is a charity and the other is a business entity, they both share a common vision that brings them together to help those in need, regardless of race or religion. This is very commendable and I would like to congratulate both NASAM and TLC".
A group photo of the VIP with the stroke survivors.
"She continued, "Today's event clearly shows that businesses and charities can work together for their mutual benefit. If only more businesses and charities can emulate the example of NASAM and TLC, it will go a long way to achieving a caring society that is promoted by the Government. Both organisations have played an important role to complement Government's effort in providing care and support to those in need. Your valiant effort is important to improve the well-being and quality of life of them.
We all can play a role to help those in need. It is my fervent hope that more people will involve themselves in charity work. Let us keep the caring attitude to be part of the Malaysian attitude."
NASAM 's mission is to provide rehab services for stroke survivors at their clubs and to organise stroke awareness events/projects to educate the public on stroke. They now operate 8 clubs around Malaysia. NASAM's long-term goal is to set up a NASAM centre in every major town in Malaysia.
The Truly Loving Company is Malaysia's first social enterprise which pledges 100% of its dividends to its Charity Partners through The Truly Loving Company Charitable Trust held by HSBC (Malaysia) Trustees Bhd. NASAM is one of TLC's five charity partners that is entitled to receive the dividends. TLC's revenue is derived from sales of the TLC brand of quality household and personal care products such as dishwashing liquid, floor and toilet bowl cleaners, shower crèmes and hand & body lotions in retail outlets and hypermarkets such as Giant, Tesco, Jusco, Carrefour and Cold Storage.
Ms Julia Chong, CEO of The Truly Loving Company & Mr Khaw Chay Tee, Co-director of The Truly Loving Company together with YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Toh Puan Dato' Seri Hajjab Dr Aishah Ong presenting a RM10,000.00 cheque to Janet Yeo, Founder Chairman of Nasam.
