MOUNTAINS of blankets, kitchen utensils and toiletries are among the items kind-hearted Swansea people have donated to refugees who’ve fled conflict and persecution in their home countries for better lives.
Residents have responded in their hundreds to a Swansea Council plea to drop-off supplies to libraries and other civic buildings across the city.
The council has been working in partnership with the YMCA, who will now arrange for the donations to be distributed to places across Europe where they’re most in need.
Swansea Council is also in on-going discussions with the Home Office about participating in its Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme. A report is being prepared for Full Council’s approval.
Cllr Christine Richards, Swansea Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “As a city of sanctuary, Swansea has a proud track record of welcoming people from all over the world who’ve fled their home countries because of persecution, poverty and other humanitarian crises. The UK Government named Swansea as a dispersal area in 2001 and, since that time, thousands of refugees have made our city their home. We’re determined to continue to offer this level of welcome and support in future to other people far less fortunate than ourselves.”
No more donations at any council buildings are needed, Cllr Richards says.
“The response to our call for much-needed supplies to help the refugees has been overwhelming, but that’s not really a big surprise because Swansea has always been a hugely compassionate city,” she said.
“The scale of the donations already made means we don’t need any more at council buildings at the moment, but I’d like to convey my thanks, on behalf of the council, to everyone who’s so kindly contributed. To say the people of Swansea have stepped-up to the plate is a considerable understatement.
“I’d also like to remind people that there are a number of organisations both locally and nationally that can be contacted if you’d like to make financial contributions that will assist work on the ground to help the refugees.”
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