Message from John McDonnell MP and Yasssamine Mather, chair of Hands Off the People of Iran
Dear friends,
We are writing to you to inform you about two fundraising events organised by Hands off the people of Iran taking place over the coming months and to ask for your help in supporting these events. At this current time of enormous political and economic crisis, a continued UN sanctions and war threats, Iranian workers are in a very difficult situation. This is why it is absolutely vital that the workers’ movement in this country organises material and ideological solidarity with workers’, women’s and students’ struggles in Iran – they are our natural allies and a true beacon of hope for genuine democracy and freedom.
On September 25, many of our activists from the UK, France, the USA, Italy, Sweden and Germany will be pounding the streets of Berlin, running the Berlin marathon for the charity Workers’ Fund Iran (http://www.workersfund.org/), which raises money for Iranian workers. The charity is an independent organisation. Funds sent to Iran will be distributed amongst the most needy working class families who are facing destitution, regardless of political affiliation. You can sponsor us online using Charity Choice’s website:
https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/donation.asp?ref=154051
September 11 2011 (midday) will once again see Hands Off the People of Iran play the Labour Representation Committee at the cricket ground in Wray Crescent, London N4, in their annual solidarity cricket match to raise £1,500 for Workers’ Fund Iran.
This is the third solidarity cricket event following the successful match last year and we are confident that this year will be an even bigger and better event as we continue to build on the success of pervious years’ events. As those of you who have attended in the past will know, it’s a fun day out whether you’re a cricket fanatic or your idea of a good time is more at long the lines of sipping away at a cold one in the sun talking politics. Food and drink will be provided at the match and, for those who want to make an evening of it, there will be a social evening following on from the match.
We are calling on your help to make this day as successful as possible.
Can you support us by:
*Playing? Could your union, campaign or trades council send a player? Both male and female welcome players welcome!
*Getting your union branch/campaign/organisation to sponsor the event and cover some of the numerous costs involved in organising the events? Get in touch and we will send you a model motion.
*Helping out on the day? There is a load of work to do on the day itself. The more people we have to help, the better.
*Promoting the event in mailouts, on blogs, or help with leafleting for the event?
Please get in touch with us to offer your help, show solidarity or find out more about what should be an excellent event for an excellent cause!
Yours in solidarity,
John McDonnell MP Yassamine Mather Chair, Hands off the people of Iran
