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Don't let Maryhill's Joyous Choir die, say singing 'sisters' as they seek cash lifeline

Funds sought to keep going a popular music group that involves refugees and asylum seekers in Glasgow.

A community choir for women from diverse and sometimes difficult situations around the world is desperately seeking funds to continue.

Maryhill Integration Network's (MIN) Joyous Choir consists of women from many different backgrounds who come together every week to share songs from their own cultures.

Its members include refugees or asylum seekers who have made Scotland their home to escape conflict or danger in their home countries.

Harmony: Singers from different backgrounds come together to create wonderful sounds. Source: MIN website

MIN has recently been helping integrate Syrian families who have had fled the bloody civil war.

But current funding for the choir has come to an end and its future is precarious.

So, the group is seeking cash to help it to continue rehearsing and performing at community events across the city.

A target of £1,675 will help meet choir leader fees, travel expenses for members on zero to low incomes and basic refreshments for the group during rehearsals.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/embed/qT7Z4qoBaoA[/embed]

Watch: Singers explain what the Joyous Choir means to them.

The gofundme target would allow the choir to continue until March.

Rose Filippi, development worker with Maryhill Integration Network, said: "MIN's Joyous Choir is more than just a singing group for its members - it is a lifeline to women who feel isolated.

"Many are facing difficult times in their lives; waiting for decisions from the Home Office and facing destitution.

Rose Filippi - development worker:

"It has been a joy and an honour to meet all the women that have taken part in the Joyous Choir.

"I hope many more will join to share in the great experiences the group creates.

"It is through each member, their words and their songs, that the project lives."

"Choir members describe each other as sisters, and it is through sharing songs from their home countries, and learning each others languages, that they create lasting friendships and connections that travel much further than the walls of the community centre.

"Performing has become a way for the group to demonstrate the unique and very special nature of these bonds.

"All members take pride in sharing songs, and often wear traditional dress, adding colour and beauty to the performance.

"It has been a joy and an honour to meet all the women that have taken part in the Joyous Choir.

"I hope many more will join to share in the great experiences the group creates.

"It is through each member, their words and their songs, that the project lives."

* Link: to donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/joyouschoir

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