Harehills ❤️ Love

Posted edited to better reflect the amazing people involved in putting this event together, thanks for the feedback Tasneem.

The spirit of community shines brightly in Harehills, especially during the festive season. And today, we’re celebrating the Harehills Winter Welcome 2024, an annual event that brings warmth, joy, and connection to our neighbourhood.

Held at St Aidan’s Church Hall, this year’s Winter Welcome brought together residents for an afternoon of festive cheer and community spirit. While the event had a slightly smaller scale than in previous years, the warmth and generosity of those involved created a truly special atmosphere.

The Harehills Winter Welcome is more than just a festive gathering. It’s an opportunity for residents to come together, connect with their neighbours, and celebrate the spirit of community that makes Harehills so special.

The Harehills Winter Welcome showcased the heart and soul of our community. Zainab, with her Humans of Harehills project, engaged with attendees, sharing her passion for capturing the stories of our diverse residents. A table filled with flyers provided valuable information about local resources and services available to everyone.

Tasneem, a friend of Harehills Love, brought her infectious enthusiasm and generosity to the event, handing out presents to the little ones, while her daughter’s henna tattoo skills adorned hands with beautiful artistry. Arts and crafts activities sparked creativity, and a free raffle with a generous amount of prizes brought smiles to many faces.

The event also featured a heartwarming poetry reading from a young person, showcasing the talent and creativity within our community. Our local MP and two councillors who helped fund the event were also present, demonstrating their commitment to supporting Harehills.

Special thanks are due to the Harehills Action Team, Tasneem Suleman, (our Mrs Clause for the event, handing out presents and organising the raffle), Zainab Talab who helped sort out the presents and getting the food together), Shanaz and Nina Victoria Abigail Bah spending the whole event on their feet providing us with fuel for a fun evening,

Also, Ruth Tiernan, Senior Localities Officer, and the Safer Stronger Communities Team, who was fundamental in putting things together for the event. And lastly, Faisal Haq from Co-op Hollins Park, for his amazing contributions to the Winter Welcome.

The Harehills Winter Welcome is a testament to the community’s dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of winter’s chill, the warmth of community spirit shines bright in Harehills.

While the event may have been smaller this year, the dedication and passion of those involved created a truly heart-warming and memorable experience. The Harehills Winter Welcome 2024 reminded us of the power of community spirit, the importance of coming together, and the joy that can be found in sharing even the simplest of moments.