Saturday September 18th Beddington Park - 2:30-4:30 pm
We have already shared how over one thousand hong kong families are moving to Sutton with our church family. This is due to the Chinese government's taking over Hong King during COVID and the removal of democratic freedoms, with new national security laws prohibiting protest and dissent. The UK government has made a route to the UK for Hong Kongers with a new British national (overseas) Visa.
55% of those arriving into Sutton are Christians. Almost everyone coming is leaving behind family, who they will not be able to see again. Young people are particularly traumatised by all this. So we have been supporting Hong Kongers with a buddy system - where SVC members support Hong Kongers and professional networking (where SVC members help Hong Kongers with work search and recruitment processes. We have also had social events for Hong Kongers to make friends with SVC people.
We now have a significant event on September 18th in Beddington Park, an initiative by our church, in partnership with local churches, Hong Kongers in Sutton, and our local authority. Our friendship event takes place with a live band, free ice creams, bouncy castle, face painting. A fire engine will be on-site for kids to see. Our local mayor, head of the local council Ruth Dombey, Police Safer neighbourhood police, local schools, and other community groups will be present. Along with the events and activities, we will have a welcome ceremony to welcome Hong Kongers to Sutton.
We want Hong Kongers to feel safe, and we want to tell the story of why they are here to help with social and cultural integration and reduce the risk of racially motivated issues. Most of all, we want to as Christians bless, care for, and welcome this group into our community.
So we'd love you to help us, and it's straightforward to do. Come down on September 18th and enjoy the activities. That is all you need to do.