SHINFIELD was blessed with sunshine as residents came together for a community event to help raise money for refugees across the globe.
Around 400 visitors took to School Green to enjoy sights and sounds of the third running of BBQ4Refugees, an event hosted by Shinfield Community Church.
Despite organisers keeping prices down, the event raised £2,700 for the international refugee charity, Choose Love, around £500 more than the previous year.
Nathan Hunt, the church’s pastor, said: “It’s lovely to see the community working together. The idea for the event fits very well with our ethos – God loves people and people coming together having a great time.
“It’s no good just sitting in church on a Sunday morning without getting out and about. As a church, our role is to show love and play our part to help those in need.”
There was something for everyone to get involved with, as children immersed themselves in the bouncy castle, face painting, hair braiding, ice cream van and much more. Talented performers from across Shinfield treated visitors to some fantastic performances.
Nathan explained that the community spirit within Shinfield played a key part in the event’s success, with St Mary’s Church, Bright Hope Church, Galaxy Bounce, Noddy’s Ice Cream, Shinfield Parish Council, Brakes and other partners helping out.
He also heaped praise on Helping Hand’s Sarah O’Neill, Rachel Walker and Lorraine Smith for the extensive roles in making the event happen.
