On Saturday, June 6, Avination will be hosting a charity benefit in support of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, an organization set up in memory of Sophie Lancaster and to promote a more tolerant, less violent society.
Who is Sophie Lancaster?
Sophie Lancaster was a 21 year old goth girl who was murdered while trying to protect her partner during the night of August 11, 2007. Sophie and Robert were on their way home, when a group of at least 5 teenagers suddenly attacked them without provocation. They assaulted Robert Maltby. When he was knocked unconscious, Sophie Lancaster tried to protect him and fell victim to the attacks herself.
A witness later told the police: “They were running over and just kicking her in the head and jumping up and down on her head.”
Witnesses reported that afterwards, “The killers celebrated their attack on the goths — or “moshers” – by telling friends afterwards that they had “done summat good,” and claiming: “There’s two moshers nearly dead up Bacup park — you wanna see them — they’re a right mess.”
The injured couple were assisted by some of the teenagers who called emergency services and then stayed with them and tried to tend their wounds.
Robert gradually recovered after regaining conscientiousness but left with lasting brain damage due to internal bleeding. Sophie, however, never regained consciousness.
The attack was widely condemned, not only in Lancashire and Rossendale, but also around the world.
Bands like VNV Nation and Goth festivals around the globe dedicated songs and collected donations for the family, who decided to setup a special fund to be known as “S.O.P.H.I.E,” standing for “Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere” aiming to “provide an appropriate memorial; a lasting legacy to raise awareness of the injustice perpetrated
against Sophie Lancaster and to work towards a more tolerant, less violent society.”
Avination is a grid which stands for tolerance and acceptance of everyone. Some of the owners and operators are goth themselves, many of the residents consider themselves to be at least part of the goth culture. Yet, it’s not only goths but many other social fringe groups too. Everyone should always feel safe in Avination.
Since its beginnings in 2011 Avination operators and employees always upheld the principles of acceptance and tolerance and the right to free expression without fear of persecution.
With this charity event residents of Avination want to show their support and take a stance against any prejuduce, hatred and intolerance. The tips and donations will go to the S.O.P.H.I.E foundation to support their cause to raise awareness against violence everywhere.
The event, held on the Saphery region, will start at 7 p.m. Pacific time, which is 11 a.m. Avination time, and run through midnight Pacific or 3 p.m. Avination time and will feature DJs Kirsten Sweatheart, Moonie, Melanie Milland and Jeb.
This event is sponsored by Pangea in Avination in collaboration with The Grid radio.
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation is not involved in the organisation of this event.
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