Sir Terry Waite to join Norfolk Turkish Meze Picnic charity fundraiser for Turkiye-Syria earthquake victims

A homeless charity in Norfolk is holding a “solidarity day” with survivors of the Turkiye-Syria earthquakes, helping to raise money to support these families to rebuild their lives.

On Saturday 8 July, Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney are organising a family-friendly picnic in their beautiful orchard, where guests will be treated to a “delicious Turkish Meze Picnic including an array of falafel, smoky chicken skewers, Turkish shepherd salad, kisir, flatbreads, baba ganoush, and more!”

Guests just need to bring their picnic blankets and enjoy this relaxing day, where the undoubted highlight will be an inspiring Q&A with renowned British humanitarian, author and Emmaus President Sir Terry Waite CBE. The 84-year-old, who had travelled to Lebanon in 1987 to help release four hostages and was himself kidnapped and kept hostage for four years, was recently knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Additional entertainment and activities include belly dancing, a children’s trail, play in the Orchard playground and a raffle to win a brand new children’s bike.

The cost of the picnic is £20 for two people – prior online reservation is needed on Eventbrite or by calling 01986 895444. Pay your fee on the day when you collect your picnic from The Old Orchard Café on the grounds of Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney on Belsey Bridge Road.

On the same day, Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney is donating all sales from its second-hand charity shop in Ditchingham to the fundraiser for earthquake victims.

“The more you shop, the more Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney can donate so get browsing,” Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney wrote on its fundraiser publicity.

All money raised by Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney will go to the Turkiye-Syria Earthquake appeal launched by its twin organisation Emmaus Bosnia, which is spearheading the charity’s work in the earthquake zones.

Launched in 1991, Emmaus is a community initiative working to end homelessness in Britain. The organisation has a network of 30 branches, or “residential sites”, spread across the UK, where they support around 850 people who have experienced homelessness.

Emmaus’ help goes beyond offering homeless people a bed at night. The organisation also provides them with support, a home for as long as they need it, and meaningful work and training in their social enterprises. The charity hopes to extend their support to 1,100 people by 2025.

Event details

Title: Turkish Meze Picnic & Solidarity Day

Date: Saturday 08 July 2023

Time: 10 am to 4pm

Venue: Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney grounds, Belsey Bridge Road, Ditchingham, Norfolk NR35 2DZ

Tickets: prior online registration is essential. Reserve for free now on Eventbrite, pay on the day at The Old Orchard Café at Emmaus House. Click here to reserve your places.