Alternative Media Group

Annandale fundraiser for children of Jenin

Author:

Shant Fabricatorian

Posted:

Thursday, 25 March 2010

Artists including Diana Anaid, Melanie Horsnell and Australian Idol winner Wes Carr are amongst those donating their time for a fundraising concert for a Palestinian preschool on Sunday, March 28, at the Annandale Hotel.

The concert, which will bring together a range of styles from alternative rock to contemporary hip hop, is the initiative of Miriam Giugni, Matt Debien and Pamela McCroary. According to Giugni, the inspiration came from a visit to a ‘Reconceptualising Early Childhood Education’ conference in Palestine last year.

“I was in Palestine last year for an early childhood conference, in Hebron and Bethlehem,” she said. “I saw the children, heard their stories. People were saying that volunteers come with their goods to help, but the Israelis don’t let them through. So the only real options are to go over there yourself, or to send money.”

“It was amazing, life changing and a reminder that there are so many things happening in children’s lives – on our watch. I left Palestine with the challenge to do something to contribute – so this gig is it!”

The Not to Forget community centre is located in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, where resources are scarce, unemployment is around 50 per cent, and a growing number of families lack access to education. Likewise, medical assistance is virtually nonexistent. All proceeds from the concert will go towards the purchase or shipment of items desperately needed by women and children in Jenin.

Other acts performing will include The Dovetails, Bobby Flynn, Paul Gray, The Phonies and Blake Ralph. Tickets are $30 at the door; visit www.annandalehotel.com or call 9550 1078.

The ‘Not to Forget’ community centre in Jenin is the fundraising focus of a benefit concert at the Annandale Hotel

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