Families nationwide recreate cancelled events to build a Summer of Hope

Tuesday 9 June 2020

Everything from the Olympics, Carnival, Glastonbury, and Euro 2020 might be on hold until next summer, but that hasn’t stopped communities around the UK hosting their own virtual ‘Summer of Hope’ events, in support of families around the world.

After seeing a phenomenal community spirit emerge from the recent lockdown, UK charity CAFOD wanted to inspire the nation to remain hopeful this summer by inviting them to recreate cancelled events, virtually.  

Families, schools, and communities across the country are now planning a wide range of virtual summer events that they hope, through fundraising, will also help families in developing countries affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Monica Conmee, CAFOD’s Head of Education, said:

“During the recent lockdown, communities across the UK came together to stand in solidarity to fight the coronavirus.

“Even though we had to be physically apart during this time, seeing extraordinary feats of generosity and kindness within communities helped to bring us together. Just because lockdown is lifting, there is no reason why we should lose that community spirit.”

The ‘Summer of Hope’ will be officially launched on 18 June with a nationwide assembly premiered on CAFOD’s YouTube channel to schools in England and Wales.

The assembly, titled ‘Hope in the time of coronavirus’ will inspire schools, communities, and young people to reflect on the impact of coronavirus and take action to be signs of hope for our global family.

Some communities have already got started. Pupils from Our Lady of the Rosary in Manchester recreated their cancelled school trip by walking, running, and cycling the 2,000km distance to Spain.

While, parishioners from Our Lady's Parish Stowmarket recreated their annual summer lunch online, raising over £1,000 for the charity. And, two Nottingham churches, Holy Spirit and Our Lady of Grace, organised their own virtual Bingo night. 

Monica continued: “This summer, like never before, we are called to come together – albeit virtually - as a sign of hope and strength.  

“The events that take place during the ‘Summer of Hope’ will not only provide a much-needed brightness in the local community but will also show that no family or community stands alone.”

Watch the Summer of Hope assembly at cafod.org.uk/schoolstogether

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information and photos please contact: Elouise Hobbs, ehobbs@cafod.org.uk, Mobile: +44 (0)7954 077426 | Landline: + 44 (0) 2920 344 882 Or, CAFOD’s 24-hour media hotline on +44 (0)7919 301 429     

CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International. Across the world we bring hope and compassion to poor communities, standing side by side with them to end poverty and injustice. Because we work through the local Church, we can reach people and places that others can’t.

CAFOD’s Summer of Hope is fundraising appeal launched to help communities, schools, and parishes host virtual summer events to fundraise for CAFOD’s coronavirus appeal. You can find out more information about CAFOD’s coronavirus appeal at cafod.org.uk/coronavirus

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