Set up in September 2015, Kings Heath Action for Refugees started as a Facebook group in response to the ongoing refugee crisis across Europe.
KHAR has already raised over £1800 for various charities in Europe including Leros Solidarity Network, and money to enable the group to send 2 pallets of handmade Toiletries bags to Kos Kindness in Greece. The group has also collected donations from the local community which has been donated to containers going to Calais and Syria, as well as donations to local support organisations St Chad’s Sanctuary and Brushstrokes. Many of the group have also taken trips to Calais to volunteer.
The main purpose of KHAR is:
FUNDRAISING: On behalf of small grassroots charities based in Europe working directly with refugees.
AWARENESS RAISING & ADVOCACY: we want to raise awareness of the current situation both across Europe and in our city, Birmingham. We want to build partnerships with local organisations and charities to help support befriending schemes and other initiatives. We want to work with schools and other local community groups to help raise awareness.
DOMESTIC COLLECTIONS: we want to support the work of St Chads Sanctuary and Brushstrokes, Sandwell to encourage donations of much needed clothing, toiletries, toys etc