Ghouls parade streets of Brockley

Carved pumpkins. Photo: Claire Shaw

Carving pumpkins at Halloween may be nothing new, but for a Brockley social enterprise group, this tradition was the inspiration for a unique fundraising opportunity.

Tea Dance For Little People (TDLP), a new family arts cafe dedicated to entertaining and improving the well-being of families will young children have organised a Halloween Pumpkin Fundraiser to raise money for their future family events.

Sally-Anne Donaldson, Artistic Director for DTLP said: “When we spoke to many local businesses, some thought we were a nursery or a cafe. We wanted to let people know who we were and what we’re about, so we set up the Pumpkin Fundraiser.”

In the run up to Halloween, the non-profit organisation worked in partnership with the charity, Brockley Cross Action Group, to hold a host of spooky-themed activities for families with young children, including carving pumpkins, dances and special performances by the witch and wizard of Brockley.

These community-carved pumpkins were then sold on to local businesses for a minimum of £5 and positioned pride of place in shop front windows.

On the eve of Halloween, TDLP were led by the witch and wizard of Brockley in a procession which took the group of parents and children around all 19 local businesses who had invested in the fundraising scheme.

Wiz Francis, 35, mother of two said: “It’s a really fantastic project which brings the community together. We went down to TDLP’s stall at the Brockley Farmers Market and carved two pumpkins for the event.”

TDLP raised over £150 from selling pumpkins. The generous support from many local businesses saw some purchasing as many as five pumpkins to display in their shop premises.

Lila Plantec, 34, sales assistant at Degustation, French deli said: “We wanted to support the community and local people. Our customers are local so it makes sense to support a local event. It is also great fun for children. I have been to TDLP with my four year old, and think it is great.”

 

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