Friendly gesture for World Refugee Day

Updated: 12 Jun 2023

Members and friends at Leeds Oddfellows crafted dozens of paper sunflowers to prepare for World Refugee Day on 20 June and Refugee Week, which runs from 19-25 June.

Rosemary Frances (seated) and Helen Bullock (second from the right) with the rest of the sunflower crafting team

Sunflower project

In support of Leeds City Museum’s upcoming World Refugee Day project, members and friends at Leeds Oddfellows came together on Friday 28 April at their base on Meanwood Road to craft the mass of yellow flowers.

The flowers, chosen to represent a symbol of strength due to their ability to grow in the hardiest of environments, will cover a map of Leeds to show solidarity with those who have fled conflict and come to the city.

They will be put on display at the Millennium Square museum between 20-25 June.

The team managed to create a huge amount of sunflowers throughout the afternoon

The importance of empathy 

The project has seen the two organisations collaborate because of Oddfellows member and volunteer at the museum, Rosemary Frances.

Originally from New York, Rosemary says she empathises with people trying to settle in a different country, regardless of the circumstances.

Rosemary (standing) explaining the plight of refugees to other members while they work

“I think, as someone who had immigrated to this country, it is an extremely difficult thing to do,” she said.

“I struggled and English is my first language. I don't think anyone should struggle like that.

“I know what it's like to be an outsider and it's horrible.”

A collaborative effort

The Oddfellows is proud to provide a space for people from all walks of life to socialise, while also offering wellbeing support.

Sapphia Cunningham-Tate, Assistant Community Curator at Leeds City Museum, said: “It is really exciting to work with the Oddfellows and facilitate workshops to celebrate World Refugee Week to raise awareness of refugees and those seeking sanctuary in Leeds, highlighting their contributions to the arts and culture and the city as a whole.

“When members from the Oddfellows, such as our volunteer Rosemary, work so hard to make creative and welcoming spaces, we showcase the very best of Leeds at its heart and as a city.”

The team's efforts will go on display in June

Members from Leeds Oddfellows will be visiting the museum on Friday 23 June at 11am to view their handiwork as part of the finalised display.

Helen Bullock, Leeds Oddfellows’ Social Organiser, is encouraging anyone who wants to join them to come along.

She added: “The people of Leeds have always been supportive of one another, and here at the Oddfellows that's exactly what we stand for.

“We are proud to partner with the Leeds City Museum for World Refugee Day to help raise awareness for the people who come here to seek sanctuary.”

Find out more

The Oddfellows has around 100 branches nationwide with almost 40,000 members. It is one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the UK.

Anyone who wants to find out more about the many varied events that Leeds Oddfellows puts on email Helen on helen.bullock@oddfellows.co.uk, call 07709 295317.

To find your closest Branch, visit our Branch Finder, and to see what events are coming up in your area, give our Events Finder a try.