A Song for a Shelter

On Saturday 25 January, more than 400 people enjoyed a very special evening of entertainment at “A Song for a Shelter”, with headliner local artist singer-songwriter Tom Odell.  The event was held to raise money for Hackney Winter Night Shelter and its women’s shelter project.

The audience enjoyed some outstanding, heartwarming performances from local singers including Josie Lawrence, Johnny Boy Moore, Milo Maris, Kate Conway and many others, as well as beautiful solos sung by students from local schools.  

With an array of songs and music to suit everyone’s taste from classical to comedy to R&B, every performer lives in Hackney and they all generously gave up their time for free to support the charity.  

Tom Odell delighted the audience with his hit song Another Love, and had everyone singing along with some old favourites.  Tom said: “The Hackney Winter Night Shelter is an incredible organisation which, I guess sadly, is an absolutely vital part of the community.  It was a joy to raise money for them with music on Saturday."

The show was interspersed with stories from the night shelter, performed by local actors.  

The evening was organised by Jeni Konko and Sarah Young, both Trustees of the charity, Hackney Doorways. 

After the event, Jeni commented:  “As my son said to me at the end of the night “we smashed it”. I have put on the odd little fundraiser but nothing on this scale and everything exceeded my expectations.  With all of our wonderful Hackney singers, actors and technicians giving their time for free we were able to put on an amazing night of entertainment whilst raising as much money as possible for Hackney Winter Night Shelter.  So many volunteered that the event ran without a hitch.  None of this would have been possible without the Reverend Andrew Wilson loaning us the use of his wonderful church.  So far we have raised just over £10,000 and donations are still coming in.” 

St. John of Jerusalem Church in London Fields provided the venue free of charge.