I am a road runner from Swindon who has been part of the Swindon City of Sanctuary hosting scheme for refugees. To date our family have housed two young refugees. One of the organisations that works with the refugees is the Harbour Project.
At The Harbour Project they welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers in Swindon.
To those who’ve risked their lives, families and homes fleeing war and persecution, we provide friendship and hope for a future. With this purpose, they’ve been working tirelessly since the Kosovo crisis in 2000. Today, they’re aiding people from across the world.
They became a registered charity in 2003 when a small team of staff committed resources to running daily drop-in services, Monday to Friday. Whether it’s recreational activities, assistance with legal processes or help with social welfare, they’re still giving all they can to new visitors.
For some, these services are their lifeline. Together with local community partners, they act to save vulnerable people from destitution and build awareness of people on the complex road to becoming a refugee.
I am looking to raise up to £2000 to add to the emergency fund run by Harbour to provide everyday essentials needed by refugees once they have the right to remain yet cannot earn money or claim government help because they do not have the official National Insurance papers. This can leave them in limbo for up to 6 weeks with no income. It is during this time that families like mine provide accommodation as part of the hosting scheme.
Please donate as much as you can and if you are a tax payer please gift aid your donation. For every £10 donated we can claim back £2.50 in tax.
For more information about The Harbour Project their website can be found at http://harbourproject.org.uk/about
