While the borders may have, unfortunately, closed for many refugees, there are still many coming to the US, UK, Canada, Australia and almost everywhere else. The majority of refugees to the UK are coming to London, but our city is housing two families. With so many people stuck in refugee camps, of course the real help is traveling there, but for many people that isn't practical. So here are a few things you can do to help those coming to your city.
1) Call the Red Cross and see if they are doing any asylum or refugee services in your town. They will likely be able to link you to programs such as collecting items or other activities to help them assimilate to you countries.
2) Call your housing council. Ask them if any refugees are coming to your town in the near future and if there is anything you can do. In our town, we had a collection to help the families set up their new houses.
3) Collect or purchase unused make-up and toiletries to give to refugees and/or gift certificates. Make-up and "luxury" items are often overlooked when it comes to collections because they aren't necessary for survival. It is easy for people to think of refugees as people who were always poor and/or erroneously should be grateful for everything they are given. Not only is this hurtful, but isn't true. Many women are likely used to wearing make-up and perfume in their home countries, and can seriously help boost morale.
4) Think about donating your time. Many coming over to your country may not speak your language, so volunteering to help tutor, especially kids so they can get back in school (as an example) are great uses of your time.
5) Appeal to your local council or town if there are no current plans to resettle refugees where you live. Citizens UK has a great guide on how to get this done in the UK (just avoid the comments section). Rescue.org helps you find ways to help and petition the resettlement of refugees in your town or city by location in the USA.
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This is a great post. Thank you. I'm so used to seeing negative comments towards the topic if immigration so this was a delight to read.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I live in the middle of nowhere so the chances of anyone moving here are pretty slim. Still I will share your post as many of my followers are from cities.
Helen
Tea in the Tub
This is a great post. Thank you. I'm so used to seeing negative comments towards the topic if immigration so this was a delight to read.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I live in the middle of nowhere so the chances of anyone moving here are pretty slim. Still I will share your post as many of my followers are from cities.
Helen
Tea in the Tub