Wivenhoe based sea shanty choir, The Hoolies, has chosen Emmaus Colchester as its charity of the year.
The popular singing group is in demand to perform at folk and maritime festivals, local regattas and community groups, with 26 gigs scheduled for the rest of 2020, including bookings in Germany and The Netherlands.
Julia, a member of the group, said: “Like almost all shanty crews, we are not a professional group and sing together for enjoyment and to raise money and support charitable causes.
“Last year we supported the national charity Seafarers UK, and we will be singing at Victoria Station for their VE Day fundraising event in May, but the crew would now like to support a local charity, and we’ve chosen Emmaus Colchester.”
Julia explains why The Hoolies decided to support the charity that supports those who have previously experienced homelessness: “Several of us have worked in the voluntary, health, social care and education sectors and have experienced working with vulnerably housed and homeless people, and we like the Emmaus model.”
The Hoolies plan to fundraise at the events where they can ask for donations and raise funds through concert ticket sales, such as the Wivenhoe Regatta that take place on Saturday 20 June.
Emmaus Colchester is also looking forward to welcoming the lively group into perform at its New Life Shop and Cafe on Colchester’s Crouch Street.
To find out where The Hoolies will be performing in the future, please visit the group on Facebook.
Update