EMMAUS in Mossley is preparing to roll out the red carpet for a celebration of its 25th anniversary.
Saturday, September 17 will see the Queen Street homeless charity mark its silver jubilee, having helped countless companions over the years.
But there has been no standing still and waiting for things to happen. As ever, volunteers have been busy making sure things are better.
Work has been ongoing to improve the warehouse while Emmaus’ Lucie’s Café is expanding.
However, the big day is firmly on people’s minds as the doors will be thrown open to celebrate the work it has done and the difference it has made to people’s lives.
Emmaus ahs teamed up with Mossley-based Global Grooves to assemble a carnival band and develop a new performance.
The event will see giant puppets, live music, tasty food and drinks, activities for kids, a charity tombola and the relaunch of its Scrap Shed.
Anyone joining in the festivities in carnival-themed fancy dress has a chance to win a £25 gift voucher.
On the day, Emmaus will also be hosting talks and tours of its community building, highlighting the rich history of Longlands Mill and Emmaus Mossley.
Emmaus’ companions have also been travelling far and wide to help its efforts in different countries, with one heading to Bosnia.
Leon travelled to the charity’s operation in Srebrenica – scene of the massacre of more than 8,000 people during a war in 1995.
He said: “I heard a lot about Emmaus abroad including a summer solidarity camp in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I felt like it was something I wanted to do so decided to go for it.
“I’d not been abroad before and my first flight was a bit nervy. I didn’t want to look out of the window.
“I was there with about 70 people from different countries who were taking part in the camp. The place we were staying at was a school for four to 14-year-olds and it was their summer holiday, so we were able to use the building.
“During the first week we went to the Pale farm to dig foundations for a new building which will be used as a sports and recreation facility.
“The following day we filled the foundations with concrete. This first week we also went to the Srebrenica Memorial Centre and it was really moving, learning about their struggles and seeing how it was back then.
“Hearing their point of view and to see so many buildings still with bullet holes brought it home what they went through.
“The whole experience has benefitted me because I’ve got the urge to do more now. The world’s a big place so I’d like to see more places but I would like to go back to Bosnia next year because I’ve built a connection of friends there now.”
• Emmaus Mossley’s 25th Birthday Carnival will take place on Saturday, September 17 from 10am until 4pm, at Emmaus Mossley, Longlands Mill, Queen Street, Mossley OL5 9AH.
For more information call 01457 838608 or email info@emmausmossley.org.uk