VE Day 75 – Uniting a Nation in a Time of Crisis with Big Picnic for Hope
This VE Day, marking 75 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, will be one to remember for generations to come. In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, VE Day reminds us that we have been through hard times before and come through the other side. It affords us the opportunity to give thanks for the heroes of the past and those on our new frontline and to rally together to support those in need.
Big Picnic for Hope is a collaboration of over 20 UK Cathedrals including Canterbury, Lichfield, Liverpool and York Minster, united in their commemoration of VE Day 75. The project asks households in the UK to join in a picnic on 8 May at home or in their garden. Big Picnic for Hope ask people to look beyond their own situation and remember the sacrifices made in World War II, those of the brave individuals on our modern-day home front and households in the UK that are finding life especially tough.
“It is essential that whilst ‘raising a glass’ to the heroes of our past we reflect on their sacrifices and those who were left behind. That we bring to mind those key workers who who are working tirelessly on the frontline right now to keep the country safe, healthy and running as best they can. We must, in our duty as a community, recognise that for many this crisis is particularly difficult as families face the very real dilemma of putting food on the table. Additionally, we need to applaud the resilience of our country as we each make daily sacrifices in the effort to save lives,” explains Simon Lace, Executive Director of Rochester Cathedral.
The Big Picnic for Hope wants to do its part in supporting those in greatest need in our country and asks people to sponsor their picnics by donating to the Trussell Trust, a charity providing support to a national network of foodbanks: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bigpicnicforhope
In addition to the call to take a picnic together, Big Picnic for Hope have provided a number of resources to help the UK mark this very special day; from printable colouring pages and posters to dedicated services hosted online by UK Cathedrals and the opportunity to take part in a mass-participation art project called ‘Bluebirds’.
Find out more by visiting: www.bigpicnicforhope.com and on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. People can share photos of their preparations, picnics and bluebird displays in their homes using #BigPicnicforHope