LONDON
The Goa Foundation UK organised its Easter Community Get-Together 2.0 in Wembley, bringing together approximately 190 attendees for an evening of fellowship, celebration, and charitable giving.
The initiative reflected the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering unity, social well-being, and community engagement among Goans and the wider local community.
The Foundation, a charity-driven venture based in Wembley, was established in April 2025 to address the needs of the surrounding community while promoting togetherness and support through meaningful initiatives.
The event was organised under the leadership of the Goa Foundation UK Chairman Joston Fernandes, with support from Secretary Remigio de Oliveira and a dedicated team of volunteers.
The programme commenced with a prayer service led by Gloria Fernandes e Soares, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, setting a reflective and spiritual tone for the gathering. This transitioned into a meet-and-greet session, allowing attendees to connect and celebrate the spirit of Easter together.
Entertainment for the evening was lively and engaging, with music provided by one-man band Polly de Curtorim, alongside Youth DJ CD9 and DJ Dylan Rodrigues, who also served as the compere for the event.
The programme featured a variety of interactive activities, including an Easter card-making station, DIY creative crafts, and an Easter egg colouring competition, encouraging participation from attendees of all ages.
One of the highlights of the event was the Easter raffle and auction. Joston Fernandes addressed the gathering, outlining the purpose of the initiative and encouraging support for the charitable cause. The raffle featured attractive prizes, including a first prize of £500, second prize of £200, third prize of £100, and five consolation prizes. Through the raffle auction, a total of £580 was raised.
In a commendable gesture of solidarity and global outreach, the funds collected will be directed towards supporting communities in Rwanda, Africa, in collaboration with Divine Youth UK.
The event also recognised individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Franky Fernandes of Wembley was honoured for his dedication to nurturing young talent through football coaching and mentorship. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to several individuals, including Espy Colaso, Gloria Fernandes e Soares, Dylan Rodrigues, Caelan Dias, Polly, Mario and Josefa, for their support and commitment to the success of the event.
A special mention was made of the ‘Community Champions’ — Vasco, Peter, Cristavo, Daniel, and Zezito — whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured the smooth execution of the programme.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, a ‘Community Got Talent’ segment showcased local talent, with Bethany Pereira impressing the audience with a Konkani song performance and receiving a certificate of appreciation. Young participants were also encouraged and rewarded with gifts, further promoting community involvement.
The event featured a cake-cutting ceremony, surprise gifts, and a welcoming environment for all. The entire event was free of charge, including entry, food, snacks, and refreshments — a deliberate effort by the organisers to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for everyone.
“Overall, the Easter Community Get-Together 2.0 stood as a testament to the power of unity, generosity, and community spirit. Goa Foundation UK continues to inspire by creating platforms that bring people together while supporting meaningful charitable causes, with a strong vision for future community-driven initiatives,” said Goa Foundation UK Chairman Joston Fernandes.
