There has been war & suffering in the world lately. Many people seek refuge, escaping their home countries to bring their families to safety. I found an organization, care-4-calais, who seek volunteers to help those refugees as they land and settle here, and decided I wanted to help. I went through the registration and induction process to become a volunteer and then offered my services pro-bono, to bring some bubble shows, and to bring some joy and fun to the families who arrived here from places such as Afghanistan in 2021.
My first show was booked soon after, at a church hall in Reading. I made my way driving from Sussex up to Berkshire, where I
was warmly welcomed by the organizers and the refugees. It was heart warming to talk to the the guys who were helping me set up, they were from Sudan, Kuwait and El Salvador. I was told it is likely we will start the show late, and indeed the refugees came slowly intrigued by the set up on the stage and the entire occasion, but once all were there, the show began! I learnt how to say ‘Hello’ in all the languages of those who were present, but most of the show was in English, which I believe many of them did not speak, but as The Bubble Show is very visual they seemed to really enjoy it. We finished by putting every child inside their own soap bubbles, and a little bubble play outdoors. I feel, especially during the present time it is ever so important to give back to the community and also to help in particular those who are in need. The organizer commented after the show, that she has seen some of the smile for the first time since they arrive to the UK. I now have two more shows booked for refugees before Christmas time, and I very much look forward to those. Perhaps we will ask someone from the audience to act as a translator so they can understand and enjoy the show even more. I really look forward to it