21st September 2013 is International Peace Day …

Who Will You Make Peace With?

International Peace Day has been celebrated on September 21st every year since 2001. It is an annual day of ceasefire and non-violence initiated by the non-profit organisation Peace One Day - not only in areas of conflict but also in our homes, communities and schools. Throughout the years, millions of people have been active on Peace Day in every country of the world and hundreds of organisations have carried out life-saving activities.

From September 16th, Lush stores across New Zealand are asking people to come in-store to make a written pledge for who or what they will make peace with on this day. These pledges will be placed in the store windows to promote peace on a personal basis, for this is the only way true global peace can be achieved.

This year’s theme is ‘Who Will YOU Make Peace With?’ and LUSH Cosmetics has teamed up with Tom Morley, ex-Scritti Politti drummer, to create a music video for a song of the same name.

This viral video features the familiar ‘Cup Game’, (where participants use empty LUSH pots as rhythm instruments to accompany the ‘Who Will You Make Peace With?’ song), being played in various places around the world, in locations that significantly need peace; historically have fought for peace; or that simply identify the participating country. The Cups are passed from country to country, symbolising the shared goal for global peace.

Tom Morley comments: “Music, especially dance music, brings people together: it creates a kind of people magnet. LUSH employees are great at developing relationships with people and talking to them about their passions. If we can combine the two we can authentically draw people in to the Peace conversation. Alone they feel powerless but together we really DO make a difference on Peace Day”

Jeremy Gilley, Founder of Peace One Day, comments: “Peace One Day is incredibly grateful to LUSH for their fantastic support. Our work together, informing millions of people about Peace Day, 21 September, will undoubtedly help Peace One Day in its effort to institutionalise the day, making it a day that is truly self-sustaining.”

Hilary Jones, LUSH Ethics Director, comments: "The dream we hold closest to our hearts at LUSH is for the world to be a place of freedom and equality for all. But it is impossible for these things to exist where there is war. The Peace Day initiative is a fantastic way to draw attention to the communities that are being torn apart by war - and attempts to give them respite for one day. We hope for a future where every day will be Peace Day".

ENDS

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