Watford Bridge of Peace

Family Fun Day
Charity Event for the victims of the floods in Hull

A bridge was built on Saturday 11th August from the people of Watford to those in Hull, the town that was the most severely affected by the recent floods. A “Family fun day” was held between 1 and 6pm at King George’s playing fields and Holywell community centre, Watford - a charity event to raise funds to help people affected by the floods in the UK.

Bridge of Peace photo.

The event, which was aimed most specifically at raising money to help the children and families in Hull, had a funfair, music, bouncy castles, balloon making, Lebanese, Algerian and Pakistani food stalls, massage, beauty treatments, tombola, raffle, bric a brac, drinks and cake stalls, a custard pie throwing gallery, fire engine and much more. The arts and crafts stall invited all the children present to draw pictures, to be collected together and made into a huge collage which was presented to the children of Hull, as a message of love and support from Watford’s children to Hull’s children.

The idea for this big hearted response to the devastating floods came from one of our Muslim Peace sister who mentioned that we often help people in distress abroad and now is the time to help those affected in the UK. Many children lost their toys and belongings in the floods and perhaps we could “help put a smile back on their faces!” Moved by her concerns Françoise together with the ladies of the Bridge of Peace sisters and the women of the ‘Muslim Awareness Forum’ set about the awesome task of organising the event within just 4 weeks!

Bridge of Peace photo.

Blazingly hot, the day itself was a fantastic success as the diverse population of Watford came together to give generously in a sincere attempt to help those whose lives have been devastated by the freak floods, and the atmosphere was one of solidarity and empathy with those of all cultures blending together in good cheer, enjoying the afternoon.

The Mayor of Watford was delighted that the “Bridge of Peace” group in Watford - Christian and Muslim women - wanted to help those victims of the floods and they decided to do something. She endorsed the event by arranging the production of eye-catching posters and on the day announced the winner of the raffle and praised the organisers. She also thanked all volunteers, local businesses for their selfless giving.

£2,000 was raised on the day!

Written by Ian Bond.

11/08/2007

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