Cage raises awareness of human rights issues

A group of thirty children and adults took it in turns to spend time locked in a cage to raise funds for Amnesty International and awareness of human rights issues.

The event was organised by Wilmslow Parish's Amnesty group and took place at St Bartholomew's Church on Saturday, 23rd March.

The volunteers included adults from the congregations at St Bartholomew's and St Anne's and young people from their youth group Footstepz.

Each person was locked in one of two cages for thirty minutes or longer, in groups of two or four at a time, and raised sponsorship money for Amnesty International.

'The Cage' event was the inspiration of Eve Smith, a Year 7 Wilmslow High School pupil who is interested in becoming a human rights lawyer in the future.

Reverend Magdalen Smith explained "One of the five Marks of Mission in the Church of England is 'To challenge the unjust structures of society' and this is the reason behind what we did – to be, in our own way, in solidarity with those who are unjustly imprisoned."

Fellow organiser Linda Hendry brought along her dog cage which several volunteers, including Reverend Magdalen Smith, spent time in.

Magdalen added "The day was a really great community day and many people learnt more about the vital work of Amnesty International. Our current total is about £800 but more sponsorship is promised.

"We hope to do another fundraising day for Amnesty as part of Wilmslow Parish. A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise the day, sponsored those sitting in the cages and who just came to support our young people."

Wilmslow's Amnesty International Group consists of young people and adults who meet together to write letters to campaign for the release of political prisoners around the world. In the group meetings they learn about the work of Amnesty, write letters and look into cases of human rights abuse, directed by Amnesty itself.

Click 'next photo' above or play the slideshow to view photos from 'The Cage' event.

Tags:: St Barts Church

Comments

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Heidi Sumner

Tuesday 26^th March 2013 at 5:56 pm

This was a superb effort by a fantastic team of children and adults alike. Eve Smith, who established the Wilmslow Amnesty International Group, group members and all those children and adults who were sponsored and gave their time to help during the day did a brilliant job.
Well done all of you.