HSS Sewa event for baby bank
A packed event at Langley Academy hosted by a Hindu youth group has raised nearly £2,000 for a baby bank charity.
HSS Sewa, an initiative of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh organised the successful event on Sunday, April 28 to draw attention to the services of The Baby Bank Berkshire and support struggling young families in the area.
Slough mayor Cllr Amjad Abassi and several Slough Borough councillors showed their support and took part in the activities, along with more than 150 attendees from Maidenhead,
Slough and Windsor.
Organisers said this turnout ‘showcased the community's commitment to assisting families with young children’.
In a speech given on the day of the fundraiser, Cllr Abassi said: “I believe in community cohesion and the way you are making donations today is really amazing. We are so fortunate to have an organisation like this that is doing amazing and outstanding community cooperation.”
The family fun day at the Langley school featured a variety of activities, including a dance workshop by Ronak Dance Academy, a football penalty shootout, and an obstacle course.
Stalls offering mehndi (henna), glass painting, toys, books, and food were also set up, creating what organisers described as a ‘welcoming and enjoyable environment for families while raising essential funds for the charity’.
HSS Sewa lead coordinator Saroj Mistry said: “For us serving the community goes beyond charity; it's about building a brighter future for every child. This year in our annual Sewa (selfless service) activity, we decided to address the cost-of-living crisis by offering support to struggling local young families with babies and young children.
“The support we received from our community, volunteers and generous donors showed that Sewa is ingrained in our ethos, driving us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.”
The fundraising day was planned by both HSS branches in Maidenhead and Slough, and donations are still being received to meet the £2,000 fundraising target.
Lauren Hall from the Baby Bank expressed her gratitude, adding: “The support from HSS Sewa has been very gratefully received by The Baby Bank. We were delighted to know they had thought of us as a charity to support. With over 40 per cent of our requests coming from Slough families, the money they have raised will be impacting the local community. The efforts made by HSS Sewa were very apparent, and we really hope to work with them again in the future.”