[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]Foodies and families get together at local sailing centre
The Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre’s International Food Festival was blessed with an abundance of sunshine and perfect weather on Sunday, 9th April 2017!
150 local residents, families and children came to the food fair between 11am and 4pm to enjoy food from all around the world.
11 food stalls selling food from countries such as India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Malaysia, Denmark, Italy, Britain and Sri Lanka presented their country’s most popular cuisine – all from local businesses and home-cooks living on the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf.
Apart from food, there were also games and activities for children of all ages. In time for Easter, there was a “controlled” Easter Egg Hunt for kids, “Guess how many eggs” game and Easter card design competitions.
Admission tickets holders were entered into a raffle draw with the chance to win one of these prizes – one youth membership, one adult membership, 2 yoga sessions, and discount offers from Manjal Restaurant and The Flower Shop, businesses on the Isle of Dogs.
“An event like this is extremely important to us and the community because it brings everybody together. We want to celebrate the diversity of this community and this is perfect to showcase that we are different but we all love the same thing – enjoying good food and having fun in a stunning setting,” says Neha Gupta, who has been responsible for organising the event.
“Our venue is also perfect for families and children as it is safe and secure. There are not many activities for the public, and this is one of the events and fun days that everybody living on the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf can enjoy,” Neha explains.
Thanks to the help of volunteers and staff, over £1,000 has been raised for this event from stall-holders, sale of food and drinks, games and admission tickets. This will go towards funding the DSWC Youth Programme.
Benjamin Davis, the new Centre Manager of Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre stresses the importance of these fundraising events “These events help us raise much-needed funds for our Youth Programme, to deliver watersports to thousands of children in the Tower Hamlets community and East London, helping us to make a difference to children’s lives through watersports”
“As a central community facility, we also aim to help small businesses in the local area by giving them a platform to gain visibility so they can grow their business. If they grow, we grow as a community”, Benjamin adds.
The next community event at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre is on May 13th 2017 for the “DSWC Push the Boat Out – Community Fun Day” event. This is our open day to try sailing and other watersports. A fantastic day out for the family and residents, there will be food stalls, drinks and music all day long. To entertain the children, there will be a bouncy castle, a carousel, kids’ disco, face painting and lots of games. We hope more people are able to use and enjoy our facility making living in this community a real delight.
Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre is a fully self-funded charity. We raise funds through donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, events, venue hire and corporate activities. A special thank you to our sponsors – Ballymore Group, Johnnie Johnson Trust, Adidas, EECF and the Worshipful Companies of Skinners, Tallow Chandlers, Environmental Cleaners, Chartered Secretaries, Girdlers, Gold and Silver Wyre, Blacksmiths, Innholders and Poulters – for supporting us in delivering our vital charitable activities.
