Glasgow Concert Raises Funds for Gaza Humanitarian Efforts
In a heartwarming display of unity and support, a Glasgow bar and restaurant will host a fundraising concert to provide essential aid to Gaza. The upcoming ‘Serve Solidarity’ gig, a collaborative effort by Unite Hospitality and Crowded Flat, is set to take place at the beloved Hug & Pint venue on February 27. The event promises an evening of music and solidarity, featuring a lineup of talented artists such as Katie Gregson-Macleod, Becca Sloan, Lacuna, and Terra Kin, alongside engaging speakers.
The impactful initiative follows the success of the first ‘Serve Solidarity’ fundraiser held at St Luke’s in July 2024, which raised an impressive £14,000 for Islamic Help. The funds raised enabled the organization to deploy two dedicated surgeons to Gaza, providing much-needed medical support to the community.
The upcoming concert at the Hug & Pint has already generated significant interest, with tickets selling out within a mere two hours of release. Such overwhelming support has prompted the organizers to establish a waitlist for eager attendees hoping to contribute to the noble cause.
Diving deeper into the roots of the ‘Serve Solidarity: Glasgow to Gaza’ campaign, we learn that it is part of Unite Hospitality Glasgow’s broader effort to empower hospitality workers. By organizing boycotts of companies and products listed as complicit by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, the campaign seeks to address social justice issues on a global scale.
Members of Unite Hospitality have previously demonstrated their dedication to the cause by participating in a service boycott at The Stand comedy club, ensuring alignment with the principles of the BDS movement. This movement draws inspiration from historical precedents, such as the cultural boycott of South Africa during the Apartheid era, and advocates for specific actions to support Palestinian rights.
Nick Troy, Chair of Unite Hospitality Glasgow branch, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He highlighted the union’s commitment to supporting the BDS campaign through workplace initiatives, such as service boycotts, to effect tangible change.
As workers and trade unionists, the members of Unite Hospitality Glasgow have been actively engaged in protests and advocacy efforts to combat the atrocities in Gaza. By establishing ‘apartheid-free zones’ in their workplaces and collaborating with cultural workers, the union aims to amplify their impact and raise critical funds for Gaza.
Headlining artist Katie Gregson-Macleod expressed her pride in supporting Islamic Help and the vital work they do in Gaza. She shed light on the organization’s focus on providing essential supplies to displaced Palestinians, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for continued support.
Crowded Flat, a local DIY promoter and artist management group, echoed the sentiment of solidarity and empathy towards the people of Palestine. Their dedication to raising awareness and providing assistance to those facing hardships in Gaza reflects a shared commitment with Unite Hospitality in creating positive change.
In a joint effort to address systemic issues and advocate for justice, Crowded Flat and Unite Hospitality are leveraging their platforms to shed light on the plight of the Palestinian people. By collaborating and aligning their values, the two organizations aim to promote awareness and support for those impacted by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
For hospitality workers in Glasgow and the Greater Glasgow area seeking support or interested in joining the movement, Unite Hospitality Glasgow encourages reaching out to the union for guidance and resources. Together, through compassion and collective action, communities can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
To contribute to the Islamic Help fundraiser and show your support for Gaza, please visit the provided link and make a difference today.
