Holocaust memorial event handed cash boost

Plans to hold a Holocaust memorial event in a North Somerset town have been boosted by a grant from Persimmon.

HMD North Somerset aims to increase knowledge of the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides and hopes to hold an event in Clevedon this year, including speakers and songs.

The group has received a £700 grant from our Severn Valley region towards the event.

The donation comes as part of our Community Champions scheme. Each and every month we donate up to £64,000 to good causes across the UK.

Rosie Thayer, convenor of the group, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this generous donation from Persimmon Homes.

“We have already held Holocaust Memorial Day events, including artwork competitions, in Pill and Portishead and now we’re busy preparing for an event in Clevedon later this year.

“This will include speakers with lived experience, a video of a genocide survivor and music. We plan to have a multicultural supper as part of the event.

“Through this we hope to raise awareness of the different cultures in our towns and encourage friendship.

“This money from Persimmon will help us to run a North Somerset youth event, including a photography competition and exhibition to raise awareness of the consequences of identity-based hostility.”

“These funds will help us with those activities in the months to come.”

Carly Spear, Sales Director at Severn Valley, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support HMD North Somerset with this money.

“We were really impressed with the work they are doing to educate people of the horrors of the Holocaust. It’s an honour to be playing our part.”

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