There are a number of reasons why I am optimistic about Friends of Pakati in the coming months, and below I set them out.
• Covid 19 situation in the UK
Here in the UK, vacvinations continue apace, and currently over 60% of adults have had their first jabs. Around 10% have had the second jab to date.
Lockdowns are easing across the UK, and large parts of the economy are beig re-opened with Covid safety rules in place. Stats showing decreases in infections, death rates sharply reduced, and the main concern is that of new variants coming in.
• Upturn in the weather in the UK
Although it is not yet summer here, temperatures are steadily rising. With longer daylight hours, people’s perceptions are of brighter days ahead. We can go out more now, to more places and do more things. As a result, people feel better, and are more likely to respond positively to appeals like ours at Friends of Pakati.
• Media publicity increasing
Folliwing on from several appearances on BBC Radio Humberside (my home area) I am now getting interest from BBC Radio Leeds (closer to where I live now). Waiting to confirm a new interview, hopefully next week.
• Increase in fundraising activities being planned
In addition to the fundraising through general donations, we also have items for sale – see https://friendsofpakati.com/merchandise/ – there is also the https://friendsofpakati.com/2021/01/24/pcs-to-pakati/ initiative. I am told also that Debbie Chadbon, former Pakati Teacher, is preparing to to a 50km bicycle ride to raise fubds for us!
• Broader social media presence
Friends of Pakati now have a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and under the name of Christopher Walker, also LinkedIn.
The facebook interview coming up later today (Saturday 10th April) gives us a chance to broaden our support base
• New publicity material being produced
Videos for use on Instagram & possibly Youtube are currently being prepared. Here below is just one small clip, likely to become part of a longer video when editing is complete:
