Cultural exchanges : a success!
Around 40 people attended the international party “Cultural Exchanges” that was a celebration of cultures at Antalya Restaurant on Sunday 19th August.
Nine international volunteers prepared dishes typical of their countries for guests to experience.
“This was an excellent evening and a great idea for an event.” Guest John Dell learned something valuable “I got talking to Osama from Libya and found out that it was not the done thing to greet him with a hand shake. To us this is such a normal everyday greeting and something we would not have thought could be offensive in another culture.”
Quizzes tested guest’s knowledge on countries flags and what emergency items flood victims would urgently need in a disaster. Free tickets to Jongleurs comedy club, the Broadway Cinema, dinner for two at Antalya, book tokens and bottles of wine were all up for grabs as prizes.
Sophie Trolliet, a French work placement student with the Red Cross in Nottingham, organised this event to highlight the work of the Red Cross and to bring different cultures together. “This is the first time I have ever organised an event and was a bit scared that no one would come. I think it is so important for foreign students to have the opportunity to meet up and get to know people, it helps them not to feel so isolated.”
Gubby Manku, Message and Tracing Manager at the Red Cross, demonstrated Bangra Dancing from India and got guests to join in. “It’s easy and lots of fun, in fact it’s a really good workout.”
Pam Burrows, life coach trainer. “What a fabulous and fun filled night, Sophie! I could tell you had worked hard, and it was all worth it, well done! We really enjoyed it all, the food, the quizzes and the dancing - what a night!
Twenty five year old Sophie was delighted with the outcome of the event that raised £210.00 for the Red Cross. “The standard of food from the Volunteers was amazing.”
Viv Tregidga, Senior Fundraiser for the Red Cross in Nottingham, “Sophie has been working with me for just over 2 months and I was delighted when she came to me with this idea. It’s maybe something we could develop into a larger event.”
