The Summer of Love came to San Francisco 47 years ago, but nearer to home Levenshulme will be embracing the festival atmosphere to raise funds all in the name of charity.
Organised by charity fundraiser and residential child care worker, Jamie Whittaker, this weekend’s Summer of Lev hopes to raise money for new homeless charity coffee4craig.
The charity was set up in memory of Craig White, who died in September 2013 after living on the streets of Cardiff.
And having already volunteered for a local Manchester charity, coffee4craig’s founders Risha and Fiona Lancaster were driven with a new meaning following the death of their 37-year-old relative.
“The motivation for our dedication is and always will be the memory of Craig White,” the founders said.
After dealing with years of mental health problems, Craig turned to drink and fatally to drugs in an attempt to cope with his demons.
And almost a year on since his untimely death, the charity continues to work tirelessly to support the homeless community in Manchester and Cardiff by providing small outreach projects in both cities.
Coffee4craig provides links between other charities and organisations that support homeless communities.
To date, the ever-growing charity has been able to house 11 clients.
Coffee4craig was selected as the festival’s chosen charity from a mass of Facebook suggestions by Jamie’s closest friends.
“I posted on Facebook, asking people for their most worthy charities,” said the 34-year-old.
“Obviously, every charity is as worthy as the next but I did a bit of investigating of the suggestions and I decided on coffee4craig, particularly because it’s a very new charity.”
The festival, beginning at 12pm June 14 at The Klondyke in Levenshulme, promises to offer something for all the family until 1am Sunday morning.
“There’s something for everyone,” added Jamie.
“I think I’m most looking forward to the live DJ sets but we also have dance acts, comedians, craft and art stalls, a bouncy castle, circus acts and of course plenty of food and real ale.”
The DJ sets will also feature an appearance from Pete Orme, member of 90’s band Awesome 3, who were best known for their 1993 single Don’t Go.
Also appearing at the charity fundraiser will be the Hooping Harlots, who will be performing as well as offering hoola-hooping workshops.
Football fans won’t be left out of the festivities though as England’s first 2014 World Cup match against Italy is being screened outside at 11pm while fellow festival-goers can keep warm around the bonfire.
A charity raffle also has prizes ranging from a framed and signed Wayne Rooney photo, go-karting vouchers, gym memberships, dinner for two and cash prizes.
Jamie, who has been raising money for charity for over 15 years, told MM: “The local businesses have been really supportive and donated a lot for what will hopefully be a great event.”
Having previously raised £19,500 for Royal Manchester Children’s hospital, Jamie has high hopes for the charity festival.
“Whatever we can raise will be brilliant,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there, raising money and having a great time.”
Keen to get more people aware of charity work, Jamie added: “I think until something has directly touched someone or their friends and family, people can sometimes be a bit reluctant to volunteer in charity work, because it is difficult for people to always relate to some causes.
“But if people can’t volunteer it’s better that they donate and The Summer of Lev is a great way to get involved.”
Tickets for This Summer of Lev are available at the Pod Deli, Klondyke, Levenshulme Swimming Baths and The Spoon Inn in Chorlton – £10 for adults, £5 for children, £25 for a family ticket for two adults and two children and under 5’s get in for free. It begins at 12pm on June 14.
Tickets are also available on the door costing £3 more for adults and children and £5 more for a family ticket.
For more information visit the event page at http://on.fb.me/1mY6NUD or visit www.coffee4craig.co.uk for my information about the homeless charity coffee4craig.
Image via Facebook
