Story & photos: Sabrina Ahmed
The community of Burngreave united with one another on Sunday 31st August in the Vestry Hall, for an event which aimed to raise money for people in Gaza.
The fundraiser was in aid of restoring the orphanage ‘UNRWA’ after the tragedies which befell Gaza, Palestine in recent months.
Event organisers, the Yemeni Community Association, warmly welcomed the attendees, rising to the challenge of hosting an event purely based on the support and kind donations of the public.
Hannan Mohamed, a member of the organising team, stated,
“It’s busier than we thought, we are immensely overwhelmed”
with the result of over 500 women and children contributing to the offerings for the less fortunate in Gaza.
The colours of the Palestinian flag were signified though every aspect: clothes, cupcakes and the popular craze of loom bands. Everything was red, white and green. Over 40 volunteers worked free of charge to raise donations for the cause, in areas such as hairdressing, face painting, henna art, facials and food.
Um Khalid, a member of the general public spoke to us:
“I made khobz (Yemeni bread), I made my children aware of the cause and they helped me to prepare it. I teach my children so they'll grow up continuing to help the less privileged.”
The hard work of these ordinary women paid off with an extraordinary total of £8600 raised, with donations still continuously being made.
Another aim of the event was to raise awareness of the ongoing situation in Palestine. This goal was achieved via the incredible artwork displayed on the walls with their bold thought-provoking messages –
‘It's not about politics, it's about humanity’.
Abtisam Mohamed, member of the organisational team, told us,
“It was a hugely successful day. We are humbled by the enormous generosity of everyone involved. 100% of the money made will go to Gaza.”
