Style meets literacy at Hamilton Bow Tie Day

This article was originally published in CBC Hamilton, Aug. 29, 2012

You might have missed this but Tuesday was International Bow Tie Day and men and women around the world sported bow ties of all shapes and colours.

Hamilton added its own twist by turning an international style event into a fundraiser.

Organizers Ryan Moran and Matt McPeak from factor[e] design initiative thought they would turn their interest in style into helping a good cause.

So they hosted Hamilton’s first Bow Tie Day.

Bow Tie Day Hamilton aimed to raise funds for the future Literacy Express at Eva Rothwell Resource Centre (ERRC). The Express is a 1954 passenger car that will be turned into a library and homework area for kids to have a quiet place to read and study.

“We try to give it a community-focused orientation while getting Hamilton associated with an international event,” said Moran, a bow-tie lover himself.

But a bow tie is more than just about style. Moran thought it is also a symbol of dignity and he connects it with literacy.

“It is not so much the interest in fashion than a sense of self-respect and personal stylistic expression. We’re interested to tie that into the idea of education and intellectual pursuit. It is about self-respect,” said Moran.

Moran was not the only one who saw the connection between style and literacy.  Don MacVicar, Chairman of the Board of Directors for ERRC, thought the same as he described the Literacy Express project.

“We want the kids to be distinguished citizens. And be the best kids in the city, said MacVicar.

While many young professionals networked at the event, Hamilton teacher Norma Jack was there because of her interest in kids literacy.

Jack was surprised to see a large group of young adults out for a fundraiser for literacy.

“I thought there would be older people. Principles, executive officers, senior administrators and politicians. Those who spearhead literacy movements,” said Jack, expecting more.

factor[e] has been profiling Hamilton business and community leaders donned in a blue bow-tie for their Blue Bow-Tie of Literacy album. Visit their Facebook page for pictures

Have a look at some snapshots from Bow-Tie Day Hamilton at Radius, (151 James Street South) on our Facebook page.

For more information visit Bow Tie Day.