Christmas Celebration - Organised WFWP and UPF - South London, UK

Christmas Celebration Organised by the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF)

South London, United Kingdom, December 15, 2018 Written by Cecilie Fortune her address by thanking the Cecilie Fortune, warmly welcomed the

I participants for their contributions for gathering in the festively decorated f we had more family peace we can the betterment of Croydon. Later in the Peace Embassy with the words better secure world peace” was the programme, she presented Ambassador “Christmas is all about relationships central message delivered by the for Peace awards to three individuals, and feeling closeness of heart”, Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Paul Tavares, Ruthy Richards-Levi and sincerely expressing the hope that the Bernadette Khan, at the joint WFWP Mary Mathias, who have exemplified evening’s celebration would give the and UPF Christmas Celebration held at the standard of service for others participants a taste of peace and love to the Peace Embassy, Haslemere Hall, in through their valuable community take into the festive season. The Thornton Heath on 15th December projects. programme opened with a hauntingly 2018. Her address to the nearly 100- On a bitterly cold and blustery winter’s powerful rendition of “Hallelujah” by strong audience focussed on the day, the MC for the proceedings, two cousins, Miranda and Alicia. contribution of the family in nurturing There were also excellent musical core values to enable individuals to become givers not takers. She contrasted our own situation to families in troubled parts of the world who struggle to feed their children and ensure adequate medical care, and surmised that Christmas is a time to recognize how extremely fortunate we are to live in this borough. Citing the many exchanges she has had with volunteers in the fields of health care, education, elderly and youth support while performing the mayor’s duties, she was inspired to see that “so much goodness, caring, loving and giving goes on”, which reflected the grand diversity of a borough where each community works towards the wellbeing of the whole. She concluded

contributions from Gabrielle as well as Towards the end of the formal communities, especially for children, a husband and wife duo, Ashley and programme, the MC introduced Ashley towards making a better future. A Susan, all evoking the spirit of Crosthwaite, Director of IRFF-UK, a prize-draw raffle held at the close of Christmas through seasonal refrains. sister organisation to UPF and WFWP, the proceedings raised a generous Another wonderful performance was that is dedicated to long-term relief amount to support IRFF projects in delivered by Bharat Koria, with a song efforts mainly in Africa. Ashley Africa. played on the harmonium dedicated to presented highlights of projects he Following the raffle, the participants the mayor with words set to an Indian recently visited in Uganda, recounting enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner melody containing the chorus the incredible work performed by key with various options – traditional “Remember, friends, the world is one.” volunteers supporting farming, primary turkey, halal and vegetarian – The musical entertainment included school and medical health projects, reflecting the broad diversity of the audience participation in a medley of following the motto “Go the extra mile community. Before departing, the Christmas carols led by Hannah and – the second mile is never crowded”. Mayor offered her best wishes to all Russell. A fun general knowledge quiz He offered sincere thanks for the for a joyful Christmas and New Year. hosted by quiz master Nigel fully efforts of several groups including the engaged the audience and rounded off hosting organisations, the Tricycle the evening’s schedule of Shop in Alton and the Bromley Rotary entertainment. club to raise funds to bring real hope to