This summer, we’re thrilled to be flocking together for a swan-related summer fundraising challenge, thanks to WAY Widowed and Young volunteer Griffyn.
Griffyn explained how the idea took flight: “One day, while struggling with a particularly bad flare-up of long Covid, I was stuck in bed and passing the time by making origami animals. I remembered the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese schoolgirl who made over 1,000 paper cranes after the bombing of Hiroshima at the end of World War II. According to legend, an individual or group making 1,000 cranes within a year would be able to make a wish to ease pain and illness.
Inspired by Sadako, people now make cranes in memory of departed loved ones as part of the celebration of Obon Day in August – an annual Buddhist event to commemorate one’s ancestors.
I got in touch with WAY with the idea that, instead of a run, I might organise a sponsored origami event. I would make 1,000 paper swans over the course of a month. I chose to create swans in recognition of WAY’s swan logo. As well as being creatures of true beauty, swans look calm on the surface, despite paddling furiously below to stay afloat. This symbolises how it can feel to grieve the loss of a loved one.”
Whether you make a donation to have a swan crafted in memory of a loved one or spread your wings and join us in making or creating your own origami swan, it’s a beautiful way for people of all ages and abilities to help support young widowed people across the UK.
Will you join our Summer of Swans? Here’s how you can take part…
Sponsor a swan Make your own swan Make a donation Griffyn's Latest Updates