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Actor Christopher Biggins and Henley residents help to raise more than £40,000 for Kolkata’s street children
A charity Diwali celebration in Henley has raised more than £40,000 for programmes to help some of the most disadvantaged children in India.
The Diwali Dinner Dance took place at Henley’s Phyllis Court Members Club on Saturday, 18 November. The highlight of the night was an auction hosted by actor Christopher Biggins, the top prize of which was the chance to win dinner with the man himself. £21,500 was raised on the night, with a further £20,000 pledged.
The event was held in aid of The Hope Foundation (HOPE) – a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of disadvantaged street-connected children in Kolkata, India. Christopher Biggins is a long-time Patron of HOPE, through which he also generously sponsors a child in Kolkata.
HOPE UK Head of Fundraising, Juliette Whittaker, said: “A huge thank you to everyone in Henley who attended and supported this vibrant event. We are delighted that the evening raised so much for HOPE’s programmes. The funds will help to make a real and positive difference to the lives of so many street-connected children in Kolkata, India.”
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The Hope Foundation was founded in Ireland in 1999 by Maureen Forrest. Running more than 60 projects in areas including healthcare, education, vocational training and child protection, the NGO works to restore the basic human rights of children and families living on the streets and in the slums of Kolkata, India. The UK branch of the Hope Foundation was established in 2007.
Follow HOPE: Facebook @TheHopeFoundationUK, Instagram @the_hope_foundation_uk, Twitter @HOPE_UK
