Hitchin's Member of Parliament Gets On Board Samarivans Campaign 

Bim Afolami MP, the Member of Parliament for Hitchin & Harpenden, has joined in the Samarivans campaign to raise money for North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans. 

Samarivans is a fundraising campaign initiated by local artist Sarah Graham. The campaign asks people to take Sarah's camper van design and put their own spin on it, with the entries – from a host of local artists, celebrities and others – put up for auction with all proceeds going to the Samaritans. 

Sarah said: "Bim did a great job with his Samarivan.

"He downplayed his artistic talents but I think he enjoyed it and he's getting bids!

"We are so grateful for his support, he has really taken the time to listen to us about why we wanted to do this and I know he's enjoyed seeing the work of the artists from across his constituency, in Hitchin, Harpenden and from the local villages.  

"The auction has raised more than we could possibly have dreamed, and we hope people will keep giving to the cause even when the auction finishes, people will still be able to donate on the Samarivans page." 

The Member of Parliament visited the Samaritans' office to find out about the work that they have been doing to support local people and some of the challenges they face.

He then joined the team on a visit to Arkley Fine Art, where the artworks have been displayed, for a preview of the exhibition and to get involved by creating his own Samarivan to be auctioned off. Mr Afolami then joined other guests at a private viewing on Friday where he spoke in support of the project. 

Bim Afolami MP said: "I am absolutely delighted to be supporting the Samarivans campaign. Sarah is such a brilliant local artist, and she is also a wonderful advocate for Samaritans. She talks so eloquently about how Samaritans services have provided an important lifeline to her in her times of distress. 

"The Samarivans idea is brilliant - and it has produced some jaw-dropping artwork from our fantastic and thriving local arts community, as well as from further afield. A project like this really does show Hitchin at its best - homegrown talent, inspirational ideas and immense hard work!  

"The team at North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans does such a good job, not just answering calls but also carrying out vital outreach work locally. I'm so pleased that Samarivans is raising awareness of what they do.  

"My congratulations to Sarah and all the fantastically talented artists who have contributed. I loved creating my own Samarivan and am particularly proud of my newly discovered artistic skills!" 

Hitchin-born celebrities including former Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton have both contributed artworks, along with former pop star and Codicote resident Kim Wilde.

Other celebrities taking part include Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, comedians Richard Herring and Phil Jupitus.

Ilsa Hawtin, Branch Director for North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans added: "Huge thanks to Bim for coming to our office and finding out more about what we do, and why we are so dependent on our fantastic volunteer team and on fundraising efforts.

"The Samarivans campaign has been a wonderful gift to us, and the funds raised will help us continue to deliver our services within the local community. It's been great to have Bim's support throughout."   

Members of the public can view and bid on the pieces in the Samarivans campaign at https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?sid=samaritansnhands&isRefine=true&_sop=1. 

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Celebrities Keith Lemon, Joe Lycett, Kim Wilde, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson and more than 150 artists help boost 'Samarivans' charity art auction led by Hitchin's Sarah Graham by creating colourful VW camper van images