Folding for Japan

Fold for Japan!

So What Is It?

We're holding a timed origami challenge - one hour for as many volunteers as possible to fold as many cranes as possible. This is a test of skill and dexterity.

Who Is It?

The event itself is being organised by the Fold For Peace origami group, who makes origami cranes for the Hiroshima/Nagasaki memorial in Leeds, and hold origami workshops throughout the year.

Anyone can join in. We'll be holding a workshop beforehand to teach people how to make cranes, and there will be worksheets available. Anyone who wants to have a go and add to the total is welcome.

When Is It?

Fold For Japan will be held at the Corn Exchange in Leeds on Saturday 16th April, with the origami challenge hour starting at 2pm.

How Will It Raise Money?

We're raising money for the The Red Cross. We will be being sponsored for our timed origami challenge. If you'd like to sponsor us you can donate at our JustGiving page, or by contacting us direct. We'll also have donation buckets available on the day, and after the cranes have been counted up you can take one home for a donation.

How Can You Get Involved?

Want to learn how to make a crane? Want to test your origami limits? Have a yearning to shake a bucket of loose change? Get in touch - we'd love to have you involved.

If you'd like to display a poster, or can help promote the event, please contact us at foldageddon@gmail.com

If you want to cheer us on please tell everyone you know to come to the Corn Exchange between 2-3pm on 16th April.

Thanks for reading - together we can really make a difference. Let the fun (un)fold!

How was it for you?

I know sometimes you see an event advertised and think "ooh that sounds good, but what if everyone knows each other or it's really cliquey and what do I wear?" etc. Because I feel like that all the time. One of the main aims of Foldageddon was to get people to come who didn't normally go to arts events, and to make it accessible and lovely.

Hopefully that is the atmosphere that you get at Foldageddon (and if not, tell me why!); but for those of you not quite convinced I asked Emily, a recent guest at Folding For Peace, to give you a quick recap of her experience:

Browsing Twitter one day, I noticed a re-tweet from one of the people I follow. It said the following:
"RT @gazpachodragon: who fancies folding for peace on 28th February? origami cranes over a pint or two."

Well, I thought it sounded fun - I used to love origami as a kid (but hadn't done any for years). I sent Kirsty (@gazpachodragon) a message and arranged to join them.

Heading there on my own I was nervous - how many people would be there? Would they be friendly? Or would I just end up sat there on my own outside a clique of people?

As it turns out, I needn't have worried. There were a small group of people there, approximately six. Everyone was really friendly and made me feel welcome. It was all very informal and great fun, folding cranes whilst chatting and drinking. Everyone is happy to help if you forget what you are doing (or to show you how if you don't know).

So, if you fancy learning something new and meeting some new people, would definitely recommend attending one of these events! I'm very much looking forward to the next one... hope to see you there!