Friends Without Borders (Portsmouth) would like to say a big THANK YOU to the Al Mahdi
Centre, Fareham for their very generous donation of food for our clients. In particular, we would like to thank Mahdiya Datoo and Kausar Arifi, who in between their GCSE studies, organised the collection during the holy month of Ramadhan. They worked hard to create posters and advertisements asking for donations and clearly researched suitable products to collect and purchase. It was lovely to meet Mahdiya and Kausar when they presented the donations to both Friends Without Borders (FWB) and the Fareham and Gosport Food Banks. FWB Client Services Manager, Rachel said “I had a wonderful surprise when I received an email from resident Alim, Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo telling me about the donation and I know that our clients will be very grateful for the extra help”. On Tuesday 5th March, Friends Without Borders were invited to attend Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum’s reception to celebrate 20 years of Portsmouth being a Fairtrade City. The event was hosted at the Mayor’s Parlour by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Tom Coles and Lady Mayoress Nikki Coles. Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Twenty years as a Fairtrade City is a wonderful achievement and follows lots of hard work. It means that Portsmouth City Council supports Fairtrade and that Fairtrade products are available in local shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as local businesses, schools, public services, churches and voluntary organisations have committed to supporting Fairtrade. The celebrations will continue during Fairtrade Fortnight from 9th to 22nd September, when we will celebrate 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark in the UK.
A fantastic day on Saturday was held flying the kites which we had made and decorated during the drop in sessions at All Saints's Church and then flown on Southsea Common in support of the people of Afghanistan, for who kite flying is like playing football for people of the UK. One quote from one of the Afghani community who attended was “ It was lovely to meet you today and I really appreciate all yours support towards Afghans, and thanks for your work on today’s event, it was really a great time for me and everyone. All families and kids have enjoyed. I am working with the British council and it was a very pleasure for me to coordinate with all Afghan families who arrived in Portsmouth and with the help of good chance organization your support was able to bring a smile on the face of everyone and remind them of their great time they had back home in Afghanistan.”
Stephen came to the drop in whilst in summer recess from Westminster duties, and chatted to some of our clients, as well as, with the help of a friend, decorate a kite, ready to fly on Saturday 20th August from 2-4pm on Southsea Common, in support of all people in Afghanistan. It was a wonderful morning, full of chatter and fun. thanks again to Stephen for his continued support.
What a great evening last night for our AGM. So good to see our wonderful supporters face to face once more. Also special thanks to the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and Babette Clarke from the Medaille Trust for their very interesting talks. Also thanks to the team for the wonderful food provided. It was also a great opportunity to thank all our fantastic, hard working volunteers with an award, given out by the Lord Mayor. Lovey to see and chat to everyone, and thank you to everyone who attended and continue to support Friends Without Borders.
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March 2024
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