Workers across the north east are being urged to wear red this Friday in support of local anti-racism education charity Show Racism the Red Card, by union UNISON.
Show Racism the Red Card will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Wear Red Day to raise funds to support its anti-racism education work across the region, adds UNISON.
The national day of awareness and fundraising – the UK’s largest celebration of anti-racism – takes place this Friday (18 October).
This year is the biggest yet, says UNISON, with over 650,000 individuals nationally signed up to support the day by wearing red items of clothing and donating to the charity.
UNISON has supported Show Racism the Red Card from the beginning and is hoping both union staff and members will heed its plea to wear red for the day.
To mark the day Newcastle Civic Centre is to host the annual flag raising for Wear Red Day on Friday at 10am. In attendance will be former Newcastle United FC players, Lee Clark, Oliver Bernard and John Anderson. They will be joined by Charlotte Potts and others from the Newcastle’s women’s team.
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West MP Chi Onwurah will also be there, along with the leader of Newcastle City Council Karen Kilgour and the city’s lord mayor Rob Higgins.
UNISON Northern regional convenor Nicky Ramanandi said: “I’m proud of my union’s continued commitment to Show Racism the Red Card and the tackling of discrimination and inequality.
“The charity’s anti-racism education programme is much-needed following the shocking public disorder and unrest from earlier in the year.
“I’ll be wearing red on Friday to show my support for the day and encourage as many other people as possible to do the same and donate to the charity as well.”
Show Racism the Red Card’s chief executive officer Ged Grebby said: “As wear red day celebrates its 10th anniversary, Show Racism the Red Card is in greater demand than ever before.
“The riots this summer stand as a stark and shocking reminder that as a nation, there is a long way to go before true equality and unity is achieved.
“Show Racism the Red Card is the antidote to the poison of hate and wearing red this Friday is a fabulous way for the public to show its support.”