AN EVENT set to highlight the need to help a refugee family seek aid in Bridport has sold out.
The Bridport Refugee Support Campaign (BRSC) said it is delighted the fundraising event at the Chapel in the Garden, in East Street, on Thursday, June 17 has attracted massive support with all tickets now sold.
The Bridport fundraising campaign coincides with Refugee Week 2021, and is bidding to raise as much cash as possible to help a refugee family settle in Bridport and rebuild their lives.
Barry Lovejoy, campaign of BRSC, said: "We're proud that Bridport can play its part in Refugee Week 2021."
The week-long is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Writer and historian Jane Marchese Robinson will be talking about her recent book 'Seeking Sanctuary' and the inspiration behind it, along with former BBC Foreign Correspondent and International spokesperson for UNICEF in South Asia and West Africa, Martin Dawes.
The book tells the stories of people seeking safety from persecution - from the 16th century to the present day, with stories of people seeking sanctuary in this country.
Jane Marchese Robinson worked as the manager of Refugee Action in Plymouth from 2003 to 2010 where they supported refugees and asylum seekers. Ms Robinson has helped people who have travelled from the Middle East and Africa - all of which were vulnerable and faced hostility.
She researched the history to highlight that refugees coming to England was not just a modern phenomenon.
Mr Lovejoy said: "During the first world war Belgian refugees were given support in Bridport and most recently in the 1980s.
"Our campaign is building on this tradition and working to provide a safe haven for refugee families to live in Bridport.
"So far we have had amazing support and well on our way to raising the necessary funds.
"Our next main challenge is to find a local landlord who can house a family. We welcome any offers of help on this."
Refugee Week is a growing global movement and starts on June 14.
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