Raise vital funds for my Samba family in Brazil

The pandemic has caused devastating effects all across the globe, however some countries have been hit harder than others.One of these countries has been Brazil reaching the second highest death toll in the world.The pandemic has been accentuated due to the underlying issues that Brazil already faces on a daily basis such as poverty, inequality, lack of health facilities and financial resources.

As most of you know Brazil holds a very special place in my heart.I have spent a lot time there, firstly when i was at university studying Portuguese and in the last few years to undergo intense samba training in Rio de Janeiro.I have always felt welcome and looked after by the Brazilians i have met during each of my trips there. However, it was during my stay in Rio de Janeiro that i experienced the utmost kindness, acceptance and support from the community that i danced with. This particular community is located in the neighbourhood of São Cristóvão and is home to the prestigious samba school Paraíso do Tuiuti where I spent countless of hours training but also getting to know the wonderful people that live there.For those of you who may not know the role of a samba school is so much more than just a place to learn and practice samba.The samba school is the beating heart of the community as it provides a a vital source of wellbeing, support and connection whilst offering opportunities to those who are part of it regardless of age or background. They not only practice for the main artistic and cultural event, which is the Carnival but they also offer an immense support to the wider community in times of uncertainty and hardship.

I am aiming to raise funds to help support this community who are still suffering the ongoing devastation of covid. The people who have the most influence, visibility and recognition tend to be the dance or drumming directors since Carnival has been cherished worldwide as one of the top cultural shows and it is enjoyed by so many.The funds will be collected by myself and then forwarded to my inspirational dance teacher and good friend Alex Coutinho (dance director of Paraíso do Tuiuti) as he is the face of this incredible school and will be in a position to distribute these funds appropriately. A part of the funds will be invested in his amazing samba project which he runs voluntarily.Lots of the dancers have to pay out of their own pocket to fund their dance careers which they juggle with their main jobs/ studies.The majority of dancers do not get paid for shows or to parade during carnival and do it for the love of their art form.The remaining funds will be used to help the wider community and pay for essential resources such as food and medicine during this difficult time.

My 33rd birthday is in a couple of weeks and i would be thrilled to raise the funds to support this incredible project and community. I feel so blessed to have found samba as it has touched my life in such a profound way, helping me grow as a person and find my passion in life as well as allowing me to share the spirit and joy of samba with my own community here in Bristol.

Calling on my family, friends and international samba community. Lets help keep the spirit of samba and community alive!

Any contribution will be hugely appreciated and you will be making such an incredible impact on the lives of many.

Obrigada!

Jess x