Fabulous fundraiser and Action Language volunteer, Ann Bingham and her friends laid on a magnificent international foodie feast at Hexham’s Trinity Methodist Church last weekend.
There was a lot of local interest and 65 interested diners along with 10 volunteers turned up to sample a range of delicious dishes from across the globe, including Moroccan tagines; Itakiet bean stew, an African bean casserole; Spanakopita, a Greek spinach filo pie; rice; dahl and some amazing cakes!
Whilst people enjoyed the food, they were serenaded by talented singer, Hannah Baird.
Ann, who joined our Action Language project as a teaching assistant 11 years ago, went on to study for a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and has been a fully-fledged volunteer and relief teacher with us during the last nine years. She has also shared her home in Hexham with people seeking sanctuary through our former Action Hosting programme.
She said:
“The thing that was most important to me was that my friends from church, book group and walking group supported me in preparing the event and provided a lot of help, donated food, cooked and help to set up and clear up the venue. It wouldn’t have happened without them. “
Ann has held a number of fundraising events in aid of Action Foundation, including two summer garden parties. This latest event raised £350 for Action Foundation and an additional amount that will pay for furniture vouchers for Ukrainian refugees moving into their own accommodation in the Tynedale area.
Vicky Miller, Action Foundation’s Head of Business Development and Communications, who attended the event, said:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Ann and her friends for organising such a wonderful event in a town close to my heart – delicious food, amazing music and passionate people! This money will help us to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into our communities by teaching English and providing safe places to live and feel welcome.”
Our Fundraising Pack is available to download here
Brilliant work Ann! And if Ann’s efforts have inspired you to do your own fundraising activity for Action Foundation, please take a look at our handy guide here.
We welcome all your ideas – whether you want to host a quiz, take on a fitness challenge or lay on an afternoon tea – just drop us an email at [email protected] and we’ll support you with awareness-raising materials and anything else you need.
