A charity that feeds and supports people fleeing war zones and violence gained a boost to its funds after winning the fourth Huddersfield SOUP event at The Media Centre.
Destitute Asylum Seekers Huddersfield (DASH) was one of four good causes to pitch for audience members’ £5 entry fees at the packed crowdfunding get-together at Café Ollo and was delighted to win £400.
Mike Shaw, who presented a four-minute bid, explained how DASH provides hot meals and help with casework, health and education issues and language.
He said: “We will spend this money well, it won’t last long. It will go on food, bus fares and essentials. It is wonderful to be in room full of people who care. Thank you for the generosity of the citizens of Huddersfield.”
Huddersfield SOUP, which has been running for a year, is based on an American concept in which four people pitch, four questions can be asked of each presenter and then the audience must vote for their favourite – as well as enjoying a bowl of warming soup, a bar and live music.
The Media Centre’s Chief Executive, Brent Woods, said: “This was another great SOUP event with original, emotive pitches.
The atmosphere was buzzing and there was plenty of opportunity for participants to meet new people and make connections. Big congratulations to DASH, our worthy winner.”
Other people to pitch were:
• Rachel Devereux who wants to develop her idea of ‘emergency bears’ for families to keep in their cars so that if there is an accident, paramedics can scan the bear electronically to receive important information about children on board.
• Victoria Callum-Ward who is organising a Winter Pride event at Tokyo in Huddersfield to raise money for the Hands Off HRI campaign.
• Sam Booth who talked about Crowns For Courage, her initiative to offer confidence-boosting head henna tattoos to women who have undergone chemotherapy and lost their hair.
The event was compered by Rebecca Winwood, Zephyr Bar and Kitchen provided delicious pumpkin and pea and ham soups and Clint Junior, booked through Small Seeds acoustic nights, sang and played guitar.
Those seeking help from DASH include women fleeing forced marriage and domestic violence, gay men facing persecution and many escaping war zones and conflict. Often they don’t know if they will be allowed to stay in the UK and find it difficult to prove what they have been through.
DASH operates from the Salvation Army premises in New Hey Road, Oakes. It has five part-time staff who are paid for through charitable trusts as well as over 50 volunteers.
For more information about DASH or to donate, go to www.huddsdash.org.uk
