On Tuesday, September 3rd, we at Caring and Sharing Rochdale came together to celebrate the life of Julie Collins, a truly remarkable woman whose dedication to serving others continues to inspire us all. Julie’s heart for humanity led her to establish Friends of Shamwari, a social event designed to support asylum seekers and refugees. Her kindness knew no limits, and her radiant spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

We are deeply honored to carry forward the legacy of Friends of Shamwari in Julie’s memory. Through this initiative, we ensure that her mission of love, compassion, and support lives on, continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of those most in need. As a tribute to Julie, we proudly wore orange on—her favorite color—symbolizing the warmth and generosity she shared with the world, always giving freely without expecting anything in return.

At the funeral, our CEO, Nicky Iginla, shared a moving speech, reflecting on the immense contributions Julie made to our community. In her touching tribute, the CEO recalled how Julie, ever dedicated to her cause, had approached her to ensure the continuation of Friends of Shamwari as she prepared for retirement. Julie’s wish was for the project she had spearheaded, which involved engaging the community and supporting children, to carry on—never anticipating that she might leave us so soon.

The CEO offered a solemn and heartfelt promise to continue Julie’s important work. With a deep personal commitment, she vowed to honor Julie’s memory by leading the project as long as she could, ensuring that Julie’s passion for helping others would not be forgotten. It was a poignant moment, filled with the collective recognition that a great soul had left us, but her impact would endure.

Julie’s light shines on in our hearts, and her incredible impact will continue through the ongoing work of Caring and Sharing. Her commitment to helping others remains a source of inspiration as we strive to keep her vision alive.