‘Taste of Nations’ will unite new communities
A new initiative is aiming to unite the many diverse communities who call Drogheda their home and organisers of their first event are hoping everyone’s love of good food will attract the crowds!
Hands 4 Unity is a non-profit organisation which brings people of different nationalities together in supporting community participation, and they’re inviting everyone to a special event called “Taste of All Nations” on November 23rd at the Barbican centre.
“The main aim of the gathering is to bring all the different nationalities living in Drogheda together to celebrate each other’s uniqueness with food, music and dance while raising funds for a Christmas dinner for those who are needy at Christmas time,” explains Ejiro Ohare Stratton, chairperson of Hands 4 Unity.
“Drogheda is such a vibrant town and we hope everyone will gather together to celebrate the different cultures living in our town with food, music and dance.”
The admission fee on the day is just €5 for adults and children are free, and there will be plenty to choose from food from right across the globe on offer, including
Indian, African, the Philippines, Spain, Eastern Europe and more!
“For just a small cost, you can try foods from all the different countries around the world, and we’ll have everything from curries and spicy chicken to fried rice and Spanish omelette,” adds Ejiro.
“Sadly we don’t have the space this year for cooking the giant paella but you never know next year we might!”
She is encouraging school children to attend in their national or traditional costumes.
“And if that is not possible, come along in your county colours, and that will say something about you!” she laughs.
Ejiro is Nigerian and moved to Drogheda almost 30 years ago to work with the Medical Missionaries of Mary, and still works in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital, and is married with four children.
“I am assistant Director of Nursing, and Drogheda is home from home for me now, and I would never look back on the journey I made here,” she says.
“I consider myself blessed to be living here, and I have one in school in St Mary’s, one in Trinity College, and two in Poland!”
She says she has always found the people of Drogheda and indeed Ireland, very
Italy, welcoming to her and her family.
Kemi Sodade and Mary Oki are also on the committee and feel Drogheda is a vibrant place to live, and after decades here too, would love to see more integration between the many diverse communities.
Both ladies work in the health sector too, with Kemi a fellow nurse in the Lourdes, and Mary travelling the short distance each day to the Louth County Hospital.
“Every community has similar issues, and we hope to provide a new community network, perhaps supporting families who are struggling, or finding their feet,” adds Ejiro. “Hands 4 Unity can help people integrate into the Irish community, as we all have the experience, and we can work collaboratively in the spirit of partnership.”
As well as entertainment from some of the new communities, Ireland will be well represented with Lolo Robinson and her talented Irish dancers, who will join Brazilian Samba, singers and many more performing during the day.
There will be a raffle with lots of amazing prizes. Tickets will available be to buy throughout the day.
The Taste of All Nations will be on from 2pm to 8pm on November 23rd and admission fee: Adults €5, Children free.