A Christmas themed bhangra event to raise funds for DKMS UK and raise awareness of blood stem cell donation is taking place in Birmingham. The event, which is being organized by a group of volunteers (led by local man Harkamal Ubhi), is taking place on Saturday the 3rd of December at The Ramgarhia Community Hall. Up to three hundred people are expected to attend the event.
The event will start at 2pm and end at 6pm, with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham opening the event. There will be a bhangra performance and workshop led by Nachda Saansar, Santa’s grotto, light refreshments and stalls. Harkamal is organizing the event to encourage people to register as a potential blood stem cell donor with DKMS UK.
As well as raising funds for the charity, the event is being held to raise awareness of the importance of registering as a potential blood stem cell donor. A blood stem cell donation is the only chance of survival for many blood cancer patients who will die if a matching donor isn’t found for them. Sadly, many patients will not find a matching donor. This isn’t because a match doesn’t exist, it’s simply because there aren’t enough people registered as donors. That is why DKMS works to increase the size and diversity of the blood stem cell registry, and why Harkamal volunteers for the charity.
Praising Harkamal, Jas, Kam and Robbie for organising the event, Shafia Begam, Senior Volunteering Manager at DKMS, said, “With so much happening at the event, there really is something for everyone. It is going to be a fantastic night that will be a lot of fun, but all raise valuable funds for the charity and the importance awareness of the need for more blood stem cell donors. We are so grateful to our west Midlands hub for organising it.”
Speaking about the event and why he is organizing it, Harkamal said: “We hope the event will encourage people to sign up to be a potential blood stem cell donor, and of course, raise money to continue the fantastic work being done by DKMS UK. By signing up to DKMS UK, you’ll only be called up to donate if you’re a match.”
Tickets are priced at £5 each and available by contacting Kam Arora (07801 280766) or Harkamal (07745 722274). For further information on this event, contact Harkamal (07745 722274).
