?City Hindus Network – Sewa Day 2011

Sewa Day is on Sunday 25 September this year. After the success of our events for National Sewa Day last year,? we would like to go even bigger this year and would like you to take part.

Sewa Day is an international day of social action which recognises the need for local communities to take responsibility for overcoming the challenges of disadvantage and deprivation, by harnessing the resources and talents that exist within them.

Last year, a team of nearly 40 volunteers from 28 City firms planted over 3000 spring bulbs, dug up nearly 300 planting areas, collected more than 420 items of food and toiletries and helped feed 85 homeless people.?In doing so, the CHN fulfilled the three aims of Sewa Day to relieve hardship and poverty, bring a little joy where none exists and to help the environment.?Two teams collected food and toiletry donations from local shoppers in Brent, Camden and Westminster, in conjunction with the City Sikhs Network, as well as from their respective workplaces in the lead up to the day. Another team weeded, mowed, pruned and dug up Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets to be able to plant spring bulbs for next season.

For the CHN events on behalf of Sewa Day this year, please read the details below and email us at info@cityhindusnetwork.org.uk if you?would like to take part, perhaps with friends and family, by Sunday 4 September 2011. We had some logistical issues last year, to be able to manage the several projects we have going on, so please only get in touch if you are likely to be able to help on the day.

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The projects

Project 1:?Volunteering to clean Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets?A park is a public space and cooperating to take care of something that belongs to all of us is a way for us to give back to the community, to meet each other and to build community spirit. This will involve some weeding, trimming and collecting leaves for a few hours. It is also a good way of bonding with the rest of the team.

When:?11am ? 3pm, Sunday 25 September 2011Where:?Pavilion Cafe, Royal Gate West at?Victoria Park, Grove Road, Bow, London E3?(closest tube station Mile End, or short bus ride from Canary Wharf bus 277)Number of volunteers required😕About 50.What to bring:?Wear warm appropriate clothing that you don?t mind getting dirty and a pair of sensible boots for some light digging. You will be provided with gloves and high-visibility vest / Sewa Day t-shirt.

Project 2: Distributing food and toiletries at St MungosEvery year, homeless charities warn of life-threatening conditions during the winter for those sleeping rough. We want to help bring a little cheer by collecting and distributing food and toiletries at the?central London?shelters.

When:?12pm-3pm, Sunday 25 September 2011?[exact timings TBC]Where:?St?Mungos,?83 Endell Street.?Camden, London, WC2H 9DNNumber of volunteers required:?About 20.What to bring:?Some suggested items to bring for donations are as follows:?Toiletries: packs of toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, small shower gels, floss, ear buds etc. The shelter recommends we bring items that the people can carry with them easily. Thus?NO soap.?Food: Shelter recommends cupboard foods like packs of dry pasta, pasta sauce, tea, coffee, sugar, salt etc. Fresh fruits are welcome but?NOT fresh vegetables. You will be provided with a Sewa Day t-shirt.

Project 3: Entertaining a hospital?s children?s ward, East LondonIt is very upsetting when a child is admitted to hospital for a medical problem. Some children are fortunate to only stay a short period whereas those with chronic illnesses can spend more time in hospital than out. We want to bring a little cheer to all these children by providing them with some entertainment. We will be reading stories, doing magic tricks, glitter hand tattoos and other fun kids activities to help these children laugh and smile.

When:?10am-1pm, Sunday 25?September 2011Where:?Tropical Lagoon Ward, Queens Hospital, Rom Valley Way, Romford, Essex, RM7 0AG?(closest station is Romford part of National Express East Anglia, there is pay and display parking on site)Number of volunteers required😕About 10-15.What to bring:?Your smile?and things to entertain the children like story books, magic tricks, musical instruments, face paints, glitter etc.You will be provided with a Sewa Day t-shirt.

Further project(s): [TBC]