Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden helped organise a special “Community Weekend” as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations. As well as the spiritual and cultural festivities, we also wanted to ensure the temple can do as much as possible for the community and those most in need of support.

On Saturday 8th June, a group of volunteers from the temple joined up with an organisation called “Groundwork” to help clean up a woodland area near Grand Union Canal. A site that was once filled rubbish and was beginning to pollute the surrounding wildlife habitats – was cleaned up entirely. Additionally, a dhol (Indian drum) workshop took place at a local community centre where children playing the steelpans were able to get tips from and practice with some of the temple’s musicians.

On Sunday 9th June, a charity walk was held in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Starting from Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple – Kenton, participants came in their masses to walk all the way through to Willesden Temple. With the dedicated assistance of volunteers from both temples, the walk went as smoothly as you could hope for. Local councillors, representatives from both temples and Great Ormond Street helped kick things off with huge fanfare. Around 450-500 people were estimated to have taken part. The great day was capped off with the announcement that around £25,000 had been raised. A truly wonderful achievement.
A special thank you to all volunteers, participants and donors who supported this weekend.