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.
Dear Friends,
It is with sadness that we inform you that Michael Woolley, our colleague, friend and honorary chairperson passed away, at home on Sunday 3rd October at 6pm. Coleen writes: "Michael was a champion of our clients, volunteers and supporters. His passion and desire to improve the lives of clients never wavered and my life, and those of many, is richer for having known you. Never to be forgotten." For those of you who knew Michael, thank you for all the love and support you have extended to him and to Friends Without Borders over the years. We will mark his passing at the Drop In on Thursday with a few moments of silence (all are welcome to join us) and once we have the opportunity to discuss between ourselves and with Michael's family, we would like to find a more permanent way to remember him. For those of you who have not met Michael, or for those who wish to feel close to him at this time, you can read a tribute to him by Coleen in our most recent Annual Report here. With all our love, Bryony, Veronica and Coleen, on behalf of the Trustees Friends Without Borders |
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