Everyone welcome at CommUNITY for Humanity event in support of Gaza
Two Illawarra teachers are organising a fundraising event at Warrawong's Gala Cinema next Saturday in aid of people in need in Gaza
While the ceasefire in Gaza may have brought some relief, the world must not look away. That is the message from two Illawarra teachers who are organising a fundraising event, CommUNITY for Humanity at Warrawong's Gala Cinema next Saturday night .
All money raised will go to an Australian-based humanitarian charity, Al-Ihsan Foundation, which is providing food, shelter, medical and essential supplies to Gaza.
Event organisers Benedicte Henry and Salma Alhindi hope to fill the Gala with people, like them, who remain gravely concerned about the impact of the war in Gaza.
"What's happening there has just touched so many people all around the world and a lot of community people in Wollongong. A lot of people are on board, doing what they can, just little things to help," Salma said.
"It's just so good to bring people together from diverse backgrounds to share and to help humanity. We are just trying to help these people who are so in need. It has surprised me; it touches your heart – the amount of support, and the strong sense of humanity."
Salma Alhindi (at left) and Benedicte Henry say everyone is welcome to attend their CommUNITY for Humanity event next Saturday night
Food, film and storytelling
Saturday's event kicks off at 6pm and will feature food, film music, storytelling, poetry and laughter. Among the local artists involved are Susie Fagan, Leaf Klevjer, Zaffi Lads, Fatima Rayyan, Lillian Rodrigues-Pang and community choir Singongo.
Benedicte is pleased how the event has come together after months of planning.
"We went to an event in July at the Merrigong Theatre, organised by a couple of Palestinian artists, and we saw a documentary there that just was so beautiful, and it was like a trigger," Benedicte said.
"We came out of that and personally I thought I wanted to do something as well to help Palestine. So, it stemmed from that, and we went on from there. We tapped into our networks, artistic and cultural, and we really wanted to create a community event, gathering the strong, beautiful Wollongong community on board.
The generosity of the community
"As we progressed with the organisation of the event, we had quite a few people putting their hand up to say, 'I can help with this and that', so we haven't had to pay anything so far in terms of food and performances, raffles and printing. Everything was donated and everyone has wanted to be a part of it.
"It's going to be a beautiful night involving so many talented local people. There are going to be people here who are from very different cultural backgrounds but coming together for the same cause."
Tickets for the event are $35 but Benedicte said for students, pensioners or those doing it tough there is a 'pay what you can' ticket option where people can pay between $5 and $25. Those unable to attend can also make a donation that is tax deductible.
