Break the Bias
It’s been another busy week across our three hubs, but there was still time to celebrate International Women’s Day on Tuesday. This year's theme is #breakthebias, calling on everyone to work against gender stereotypes, inequality and discrimination.
There’s something a bit special about the above photo - a coming together of staff, volunteers, Freedom Project trainees and corporate partners to acknowledge a wonderful campaign, whilst encapsulating our one of our values - diversity:
Diversity – Embracing the differences and valuing the contribution of all
An illustrious display of paintings by Facilities Manager Graham lined our central-space, paying homage to the lives of influential female figures; from Irena Sendler to our very own Services Manager Fiona.
International Women Day’s focus continues all year - you can find out more about the campaign here. It’s a pleasure to work with you all!
“Why don’t I use my platform to do something good?”
We were taken aback when Jen first rocked up to our warehouse with a sizeable food donation, but once we found out her reasons for choosing Mustard Tree to support, we had to find out more.
Jen shared with us how her experience with Mustard Tree’s Food Club inspired her to use her platform to raise food, clothing and awareness about our mission.
From using our services during a difficult part of her life, to becoming a successful business owner and wanting to give something back, Jen talks about the support both she and her sister received from Mustard Tree and other local organisations, and how it helped her get to where she is now.
"I continued to post on social media, whilst sofa surfing — no one would have known I was homeless at the time from looking at my Instagram” - Jen
You can read Jen’s full story by clicking here.
Van Gogh Art Session
This week we hosted an artistic collaboration between Women’s Aid and Menorah Synagogue, for our womens-only art session. The subject? Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’.
We want to utilise our building to reach as many people as possible, so we’re delighted to host two fantastic organisations.
Heaton Park - Warm in Winter
If you visited Heaton Park over the festive season, you may have noticed their #warminwinter collection campaign - collecting clothing, food and other items from visitors for our Community Shops.
The initiative has been a big success with several drop-offs being arranged over the winter period - here’s Michelle with the latest collection this week. Thank you to everyone who brought items along to the park to donate!
Final Word
We’ll round this week off with Jo’s Tweet about International Women’s Day 2022:
Have a great weekend everyone.
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