One Big Picnic - One Big Community

Aim

Help us to fund a beautiful big sign to be placed in George Square - to welcome the general public to celebrate diversity at One Big Picnic

One Big Picnic  - One Big Community

What is it all about?

One Big Picnic is a free community meal for ALL in George Square - right in the heart of Glasgow's busy city centre . There will be at least 10 stalls serving  a variety of delicious food, lots of music and entertainment, and, most importantly, lots of people of all backgrounds to meet and have a blether with.

It's all about promoting the dignity of all people - no matter what their circumstances or background - and helping to build One Big Community based on understanding and respect. 

Who is behind it?

One Big Picnic is being delivered by local groups of many faiths and none brought together by the Interfaith Food Justice Network. The organising team includes Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, Humanists and non-religious people. Many of those involved regularly serve free food to people who are homeless or struggling. A full list of participating groups will be available soon, just keep an eye on our facebook page.

Although Interfaith Glasgow are providing support, there is no funding for this event - just a bunch of passionate and resourceful people giving up their free time to make it happen. Please, scroll on!

How will my money be spent?

Your money will go towards a great, big, "One Big Picnic" welcome sign in George Square to attract the general public to this event.  We are very lucky to have been gifted a huge magnetic frame (see pic below), however some pieces of the frame are missing and printing the panels is expensive. These structures usually cost £1500 with printed panels so this sign will be value for money!

Any extra money will help cover the cost of the food, taking the pressure of the local groups whose work helps those who are homeless or struggling.

Why are you so keen to reach the general public?

Community meals and events similar to this take place regularly all over Glasgow - but the general public don't always hear about them. That's why we're holding it in George Square - to attract passers by including people who might not usually attend an event that celebrates diversity. Of course we are also doing lots of other advertising - we are reaching out to minority communities, faith communities, homeless shelters, refugees and asylum seekers and we've been working hard to get press coverage too.  We really mean it when we say ALL are welcome!

Wouldn't I be better donating money to a homelessness charity, for example?

That would certainly be money well spent. Many of those who are organising this event regularly donate to or work for homelessness charities, foodbanks and soup kitchens but they also see this event as extremely valuable. That is because they understand how important it is for people who are stuggling to feel included and to be treated with dignity. That is exactly what we are hoping to provide: a welcoming space where everyone  - no matter what their circumstances or where they have come from - is greeted with friendly smiles and leaves with a full belly, yes, but also feeling that bit more connected. 

Your money will not only help us attract more people to One Big Picnic, it will in turn raise the profile of the issues of food poverty, homelessness and isolation.

Will there be a legacy for my donation or is it just a one-off?

Yes there will be a legacy! We intend for there to be many more One Big Picnics to come. The organisers have already discussed making this an annual event and friends in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee have shown an interest in having One Big Picnic where they are. The sign design won't include the venue or date so that it can go on tour! 

What happens if you don't reach your target?

We have opted for the "keep what you raise" option, so that even if we don't reach our target, your money will still go towards making One Big Picnic a great success.

Can I donate directly?

Yes. If you would like to donate directly please contact Zarina at [email protected] 

If you like the sound of this event or share our vision for One Big Community, please help us make as much of an impact as posssible and donate what you can. Please also consider sharing this page.

More details about the event which will include some wonderful and diverse entertainment as well as delicious free food are here.

Thankyou!!

This project successfully funded on 9th September 2017