Lama Pasang’s visit to the UK 2013

Manchester

Lama arrived in Manchester on September 12th and was met by Will Russ and his family. He stayed for just 4 days but achieved so much. On the 13th Lama and Will visited a local school (St George’s Stockport) and did a presentation to them about the home and the children it supports. Lama also did a short question and answer session with one of the classes and they were both so well received that the school nominated Friends of the HCCH as their harvest charity and raised over £300 for us!

The 14th was the main event of the weekend. Will and his family had organised a fundraising and information evening for local residents and friends which attracted over 30 people to a small Scout Hut in Bramhall. There was traditional Nepali music and food donated by the Kantipur Restaurant, videos of the children performing Tibetan dances, a huge bring and buy cake sale and Lama’s handicraft shop selling the most amazing jewellery, artwork, bags, gloves and slipper socks. Many of which were hand made by adults from the Mustang region through a work scheme set up to bring income to deprived areas of the region. Will also gave a presentation on the charity and the cause it supports and the whole event was a huge success! Combining the very popular raffle takings with the cake sale, book exchange and lamas handicrafts £200 was raised for the home and a 1 year child sponsorship after the event took the total to £950 If you would like to organise an event like this Will is more than happy to advise on how to do it.

Shropshire

Sue collected Lama from Manchester on 15th. His visit to Shropshire included two days with Annette where he raised money selling his handicrafts at several market stalls and other selling opportunities in Shrewsbury. The main fundraising event took place in Lynda’s garden in the Shropshire countryside on the 21st September. Amazingly the weather was brilliant and more than 60 people of all ages enjoyed a late summer barbeque – including a couple from Coventry who had recently visited the home. All the food was donated and cooked by supporters; games were enjoyed by the children – and a few adults – and a live music interlude was provided by friends. Everyone had a good time and we raised £600.

After a couple of days off to rest, Sue saw Lama off on the train to Southampton to stay with Judy.

Southampton

We held an enjoyable fundraising evening at Durley village hall with a live band which raised £1200 after expenses. Lama also sold his handicrafts there which were very popular and raised another £400. While he was staying with me he also raised another £800 selling handicrafts at the Hampshire Tennis Club and a McMillan coffee morning. We did a little sight seeing as well which he enjoyed.

Lama then went on to Cardiff where he stayed with his Tibetan friends. He returned to Shropshire for one night before flying home at the end of October. It was a really successful visit and he raised approximately £5000, £2000 of which was in sales of handicrafts produced by the people of Mustang.