The UK Centre for Carnival Arts in Luton played host to the WaterspringsChristian Centre on December 19 when it held a festive event to raise much-needed funds for the British Red Cross Ebola crisis appeal.
Visitors raised hundreds of pounds for volunteers in West Africa who are working to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.
Red Cross volunteer Delila Mueller said “Guests were treated to festive readings, a sparkling reception of food and professional musical entertainment. The Mayor of Luton, Mohammed Farooq, gave an inspiring speech to the visitors.”
Red Cross health teams – made up of staff and volunteers – are currently on the ground,
working with authorities and other aid agencies in the affected communities. The Red Cross
has deployed 194 Red Cross international staff to West Africa since the start of the Ebola
crisis. These are experts in health, water and sanitation, logistic support, operations
coordinators, telecommunications and psychosocial support. Overall, the International Red
Cross and Red Crescent Movement have close to 7,000 volunteers who have already
received specialised training to respond to the crisis in the region.