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The sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda (KPL) and Kappa Delta (KD) hosted their bi-annual semester tradition, “Charity Denim” early this month in Willard Straight Hall Art Gallery.  As passersby browse through designer jeans and clothing from True Religion to Seven for All Mankind, they are reminded of the sororities’ joint efforts to “change the world one pair at a time.”

The tradition began in 2006 when the two sororities decided to bring fashion onto the campus.  Understanding the limitations of living in Ithaca and having to buy most of their favorite brands online, the sisters worked with Charity Denim, a nonprofit organization which specializes in denim fundraising to help raise awareness to the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), KPL’s national philanthropy.  The organization accomplishes this by dealing with issues like Civil Rights, Economic Justice, Educational Access, Ending Violence against Women, Health & Reproductive Freedom and Immigrant & Refugee Rights. Through endless campaigns including legislation reform and grassroots movements, NAPAWF promotes Asian Pacific American (APA) women empowerment. 

When asked about this cause, KPL’s philanthropy chair Olivia Chang states that her sorority “supports NAPAWF because it shares similar beliefs and upholds common values.”  She thanks those who have come out to support this semester and urges others to look out for this sale next semester.

NAPAWF’s mission is to build a movement to advance social justice and human rights for APA women. In this sense, for every pair purchased at Charity Denim, the sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda graciously take all profits earned and donate it to NAPAWF.