HARLOW charity Rainbow Services, which works to improve the lives of local people, arranged a Christmas party for families they have worked with over the last year.

Rainbow Services invited families from the Ukrainian Get Together, a weekly meet up for Ukrainian refugees at Harlow Playhouse, as well as families from their cooking workshops, where people learn how to cook healthy and nutritious meals on a budget.

The Christmas party was a perfect way to bring together the families they have worked with and with many not having met each other before, it provided an opportunity for them to make new connections.
The party featured a magic show by Andy Clockwise, party games from Simon of Fun Filled Games and Santa Claus of course!

Everyone enjoyed a festive buffet, a box of chocolates to take home and gifts were given to all the children thanks to donations from the staff at Synthomer and a Harlow family.

Marina, from Voluntary Action Epping Forest, said: “On behalf of all Ukrainian families who attended the party on Saturday I would like to say big thank you to all the Rainbow Services team. It was great fun and an unforgettable experience for families. Many commented on the nice food and an opportunity to try British party food. Children were so happy to receive amazing gifts.”

The event was funded by Harlow Council’s Celebrating Harlow’s 75th fund, Rainbow Services Community Hub and Community Builder projects.