The Arsenal Foundation helped to fund a street party in Hungerford Road near Emirates Stadium this summer to raise money for Islington Foodbank. One of the organisers, Annette Witheridge, tells us about it.
“Our local community is so important. I got involved in helping organise our street parties, but doing so has made me very aware of our community and I am starting to get involved in other things.
“Three friends who live on Hungerford Road and Hillmarton Road initiated the first party. This was our third – previously we had one for the Queen’s Jubilee and one for the King’s Coronation. But way back in 2014 we did our very first party to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Hungerford Road.
“Rosemary Silver, Debbie Sell and myself first talked about a party for the Jubilee. We put out flyers asking for volunteers and soon we had a committee of neighbours all happy to help out. We meet regularly for a few months in the run-up to our parties and we all have different responsibilities.
“On the day we welcomed families and their friends, and we had advertised it widely in the area so residents from neighbouring streets could come along. There were about 150 people there in all.
“Thanks to a generous grant from The Arsenal Foundation we were able to provide insurance for the party, auction items, face painters and a DJ, as well as gas for our barbecues and a special commemorative cake. It meant all of the money we raised went to Islington Foodbank.
“In total we raised £1,461.54, which beat last year’s fundraising figure by £450. We held an auction, raffle, children’s tombola, barbecue, plant, book and clothes stall, and Hungerford Road classic car enthusiast Gary Lazarus provided two of his cars for children to have their photos taken with in exchange for an Islington Foodbank donation. We also staged a children’s fancy dress parade and flower-making class. Teachers and children from the Bridge School all attended, bringing paintings we displayed. Another local resident has a string quartet, which played for the guests.
“As in previous years, we collected items from local businesses for the raffle. This year, thanks to The Arsenal Foundation, we were able to use some of the bigger items for a fundraising auction. We bought, at less than cost price, prints of the old Arsenal Stadium, the Caledonian Park Clock Tower and St Pancras Station by Hungerford Road artist Andrew Pegram. The bidding for the Arsenal Stadium print alone went way over our guide price, with very brisk bidding, raising £95.
“We really believe in football clubs helping and working with their local communities. Many supporters park in Hungerford Road on matchday and many of the residents are keen supporters themselves, so they were delighted that the club helped us. We hope that support will continue in the future!”
For more information on Islington Foodbank and to find out how to donate click here
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