Bristol CWU members extend welcoming hand of help to refugees

November 25 2016

CWU members at Bristol Mail Centre haveclubbed together to collect £900 for a local initiative that helps refugees and people fleeing persecution-and thanks to match-funding by First Bus, the total raised is £1,800.

The money will go towards the Bristol City of Sanctuary project’s Transport Fund, which supplies bus tickets to sanctuary seekers in Bristol and the surrounding area, as many of these people have no means of support or transport. (Further details athttps://bristol.cityofsanctuary.org/bristol-transport-fund)

The CWU’s Bristol Ethnic Minorities Advisory Committee organised the highly successful workplace cash collectionsat the Mail Centre in Filton, also soliciting donations from the Bristol & District Amal branch and the South West Region. The proceeds were handed over to the Bristol City ofSanctuary Project at a special ceremony onMonday (pictured).

Bristol & District Branch Secretary Rob Wotherspoon said “It is tremendously heartening in such divided times to see the effort our colleagues have put into raising money for people who are facing very difficult circumstances.”

Chair of Bristol City of Sanctuary, theRev Richard McKay, added: “On behalf of our destitute brothers and sisters I want to thank CWU members for their generosity not only of the large amount of money raised but also the compassion and care it shows for those whom many in our society reject.

“Your efforts really help to improve the quality of life and independence of those among us who have nothing. CWU members are helping to make Bristol truly a city of sanctuary, a place of safety and welcome.”

Pictured: Members of the Bristol EMAC and otherRoyal Mail workers presenting the cheque to theBristolCity Of Sanctuary project