The Big Picnic for Hope, in aid of the Trussell Trust, is an opportunity for your household to be part of a virtual get-together, to help honour heroes past and present.
Many of us would have been commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May. Families and friends would have been gathering for street parties and celebrations around the UK, which unfortunately is no longer possible.
But even in the current lockdown we can still come together to recognise this date through our Big Picnic for Hope, allowing us to celebrate the heroes of our new ‘home front’: those risking their lives, the NHS, carers, delivery personnel, workers across food stores and public transport, and the remarkable collective effort of the nation to stay home and play our own individual part in helping to see this through. While staying at home we are still able to support the new heroes of the COVID-19 ‘conflict’.
Whether you are on your own or with other people at home we are inviting each household to have a picnic – indoors or outdoors – and to send in your photos for us to share with the world.
Dean Nicola says:
“We are delighted to be involved in this national initiative. While our plans to host a street party for the town have been cancelled, the Big Picnic for Hope captures brilliantly the spirit of the VE75 celebrations in bringing people together. We will release a short online reflection at 11am on 8 May, and then let the party – virtual and in real time – begin!”
Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtags #bigpicnicforhope and #feed5000.
You can also share ideas for what to bake, what to make and other creative ideas online to help inspire others to get involved. This will help everyone get ready to join together on Friday 8 May to share photos of their picnics, and discuss memories and stories of their loved ones past and present in a way fitting of the circumstances we are living through at this time.
You can also support the JustGiving campaign in aid of the Trussell Trust using the hashtag #feed5000. At the heart of the Big Picnic for Hope is a reflection that around the country many people will not be as fortunate at this time with many struggling to put food on the table. The #feed5000 hashtag reflects the project’s aim to raise £5000 for the Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks and provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty. With a rise in the number of people who are using foodbanks nationally, and the future uncertain as to how many people will have to adjust to more difficult living conditions around the country, the Big Picnic for Hope aims to ask those who can to donate towards providing another individual or family having food in their house today.