Teams take part in an international-themed quiz at the VSO Big Curry Night in St Catherine’s Church Hall, Pontcanna.
A VOLUNTEER group which put on a Big Curry Night at St Catherine’s Church Hall in Pontcanna has raised a record £960 for charity.
More than 100 people attended the event on Saturday, October 15. It was organised by the Cardiff Supporter Group of Voluntary Service Overseas, a charity that sends professionals to volunteer in developing countries.
Members of the group – some of whom are returned volunteers themselves – cooked a range of dishes including masalas, a pea and mushroom curry for vegetarians, and home-made chapatis.
After the meal, teams competed in an international-themed quiz and the night was rounded off with a raffle.
Philip Champness, treasurer of Cardiff VSO Supporter Group, said: “It was an outstanding success. Most people seemed to have enjoyed it and we raised far more than we have on any other occasion. For the first time in my recollection we exceeded £550, our previous highest total. At a time when resources are scarce, we are very grateful for the generosity of the people who came.”
Cardiff VSO Support Group member Elaine Moore will be going to Myanmar in February.
Support group member Elaine Moore has already volunteered abroad but announced at the event she would be returning to Myanmar in February to work with a civil society organisation.
“We all feel that because of our experience we are citizens of a bigger world,” she said.
The event marked One World Week, from October 23-30, which aims to “bring people and organisations together to raise awareness about global issues of justice, poverty and inequality”.
Laura Salisbury, head of community and volunteer fundraising at VSO, said: “I was blown away by the success of the VSO Cardiff event. Raising over £900 really is hard work! They’ve had lots of fun in the process too which is great.
“Our brilliant Supporter Groups like Cardiff raise essential funds and awareness about our work across the world in health, education and livelihoods. We couldn’t be more grateful for their help. Some people haven’t heard of VSO until they meet passionate members of a VSO Supporter Group. This makes a fantastic first impression!”
