by Megan Davies
A CHARITY event run by volunteers to raise money Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcomes Refugees (BRWR) has proved a huge success.
Held at the Ecumenical Centre to mark International Refugee Week, people flocked to the town centre venue to enjoy lashings of tea, coffee and a mouth-watering selection of cakes.
The UK has pledged to accept 4,000 refugees a year over five years, the majority arriving from camps bordering Syria.
Naeem Ali, vice-chairman of BRWR, said the event was held to support these refugees, as well as raise awareness of how severity of the refugee situation, the worst since the Second World War.
Redditch mayor, Councillor Joe Baker, said: “It is important to support these events as it not only brings together a community, but allows the volunteers and the public to help with a situation they feel strongly about.
“It was a privilege to be at the coffee and cake event to help raise money and most importantly raise awareness of what is happening with the refugees situation here in Worcestershire and Redditch and to re-assure members of the public the facts pertaining to the refugee crisis.
“It’s also important that we support those who are volunteering and giving their time to help the smooth running of the Government’s plans to resettle the refugees.”
The event involved a tombola, raffle, and the sale of a wide variety of drinks and cakes, all done in high spirits by cheerful, chatty helpers who were there to make a difference.
Volunteer Sharon Harvey said she was assisting “To help those who are having to flee from awful situations in their home country.”
The first refugees to arrive in Worcestershire will be re-settled in Redditch at the end of this mon
