News / #BristolCharityAdvent
#BristolCharityAdvent day 19: Aid Box Community
Aid Box Community (ABC) is a Bristol-based humanitarian organisation set up by group of ordinary people in response to the continuing refugee crisis.
Since launching in 2014, the dedicated group has mobilised more than 300 volunteers from across the region, who assist with collection and delivery of vital supplies to displaced families in France who were forced to flee their home countries.
ABC has raised around £90,000 for the cause and, closer to home, helps refugees and asylum seekers through its free shop in Redland that provides people resettling in Bristol with basic household items.
is needed now More than ever
Throughout December, the charity is running it’s ‘Refutree’ campaign and the Waverley Road HQ is crammed full of green spruces and decorations ready for people to buy, with all profits going to help those in need.
The pop-up Christmas shop is open Monday – Friday from 2pm-7pm and weekends from 10.30am -7pm until Friday, December 22.
ABC team members come from all walks of life, but unite over the need to take action and help a cause they say can’t be ignored. They have worked to raise the profile of the refugee crisis in the UK and overseas using TV, radio and social media.
“ABC has been so helpful for finding furniture and basic things that I need, I can now eat better food and do some social things,” said Severin M’Pouton, 44, a refugee from Congo Brazzaville. “I like to volunteer at ABC for the ‘conviviality’, the community.”
Imogen McIntosh, founder and coordinator of Aid Box Cmmunity, said: “We remain committed to raising funds and supporting those who have been forced to leave their homes and are stranded in inhumane living conditions in camps or on the streets across Europe.
“We are also dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol, who despite landing in the UK, are destitute and in need of food, aid and help to become independent and integrate into the Bristol community. Many people have been given their right to remain in the UK but now find themselves homeless, alone and unable to access jobs or housing.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BT804pGhgun/?taken-by=aidboxcommunity
The charity works in partnership with City of Sanctuary, Borderlands, Bristol Refugee Rights, Unseen, Befriend, the Red Cross and Brighter Bristol, The Haven, Brigstowe and the Syrian Welcoming Committee who refer refugees and asylum seekers in need of our service.
‘Aid Box Community have been at the forefront of providing practical aid to refugees in Europe,” said Andrew McCarthy of Bristol Refugee Rights.
“Their ability to mobilise large numbers of supporters, gather food, clothes, tents and funds has undoubtedly saved many lives, increased the awareness of the crisis facing those seeking sanctuary in Europe and given hope to thousands.
“The community hub will provide a way to coordinate the goodwill of the people of Bristol and match it up with the needs of asylum seekers in Bristol.”
To find out more and get in touch, visit the Aid Box Community hub at 5-7 Waverley Rd, Redland BS6 6ES. To enquire about donating aid, email donationsabc@gmail.com or for volunteering opportunities, email volunteernowabc@gmail.com.
Video by Anthony Tomling.
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