MEMBERS of the Wharfedale Refugee Response group are once again encouraging local residents to participate in its popular annual Reverse Advent Appeal this December.
The concept behind the Reverse Advent Appeal is simple and one that all generations can get involved in at Christmas: each day a non-perishable food or toiletry item is placed in a cardboard box at home. On January 3 these supplies are then collected together at the Methodist Church in Burley in Wharfedale and used to provide vital support for vulnerable people in the area.
A spokesperson for Wharfedale Refugee Response group said: "First run in 2016, the Advent Appeal has become well-known throughout the Wharfe Valley and gained a loyal following from families, schools and organisations, but this year there is a greater need for support than ever before.
"Whilst it has been an undeniably challenging time for many, a range of organisations including Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (PAFRAS), St. Vincent's, Yorkshire Aid, Refugee Action, Leeds Refugee Forum, Bradford Immigration and Asylum Support and Advice Network (BIASAN) and food banks are immensely grateful for Wharfedale Refugee Response group's ongoing commitment and support to vulnerable individuals and families across the district.
"To date, since 2016, the team has collected almost 2,000 boxes, an incredible 48,000 items!"
Catherine MacIntosh-Dixon, one of the small team of organisers in Burley-Wharfedale, added: “In what has been a difficult year for so many we hope that more people than ever from the wonderful communities in Wharfedale will join our appeal, creating advent boxes of food and toiletry essentials for asylum seekers, refugees and other vulnerable people in our region.
“We never fail to be overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of local residents and we hope this year will be no different.”
Filled boxes can be taken to Burley-in-Wharfedale Methodist Church on Bank Holiday Monday 3 January 2022, between 9am and 6pm.
For more information about this appeal and other initiatives, please visit the
Wharfedale Refugee Response Facebook page (facebook.com/wharfedalerefugeeresponse) or email wharfedalerefugeeresponse@gmail.com to join the mailing list:
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