Great Get Together events will go ahead this weekend
THE sister of murdered MP Jo Cox says the Great Get Together started in her memory will go ahead “just in a slightly different way”.
This weekend – June 19 to 21 – with see the fourth Great Get Together, which was started in response to Mrs Cox’s much-quoted message in her maiden Commons speech that “we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us”.
Great Get Together events will be taking place in communities all across the UK, not least in Mrs Cox’s constituency of Batley and Spen, in
West Yorkshire, where there will be events including a multi-faith community service and a virtual Bake Off.
Llantwit Major will hold a streetwide bingo evening, while in Harleston, Norfolk, people will post a smile by sending letters, cards, pictures and local news to care homes to help combat loneliness.
Mrs Cox’s sister, Kim Leadbeater – an ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation – said it is important the 2020 event continues but will inevitably be different due to coronavirus.
She said: “Over the past few months we have seen an amazing response from communities around the UK to the Covid-19 epidemic.
“It’s a reminder of Jo’s approach, one we have adopted at her foundation, that wherever possible we should focus on what we can do, rather than what we can’t do.
“That’s why we’ve decided that the Great Get Together, which has always been rooted in community, will go ahead - just in a slightly different way.”
Catherine Anderson, chief executive of the Jo Cox Foundation, said: “We hope as many people as possible next weekend will join us in taking time to listen, learn, empathise and connect.
“The incredible displays of connection, unity and kindness we’ve seen over the past few months have shown that connection is vital to bridging divides.”
The Jo Cox Foundation is working with Facebook, which is providing a grants fund of £10,000 to support community organisations. Applications to the fund will open on June 22.