This is compassion in action

As the war in Ukraine wages on, new conflicts continue to unfold and the survivors of the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria attempt to rebuild their lives, the number of people seeking refuge outside of their home countries, or displaced within, is higher than ever. 

The human cost of war, natural disaster, and displacement is devastating - behind the headlines there are real people with real stories and the extent of the hardship they endure is often heartbreaking.  But through our compassionate community of corporate and community donors we deliver a lifeline of hope that makes a difference in the lives of those affected.

The network of charities we collaborate with to support refugees include; New Citizen Gateway, Herts Welcomes Refugees,  Dost, ACAA and Care4Calais. And, it was through Care4Calais and our Sport For Good initiative that we met Ramzi.

The team met Ramzi when he was sleeping rough in Maximillian Square in Brussels, and then again, a year later sleeping in the makeshift jungle in Calais. It was on the second meeting they remember him helping unload, organise, and distribute warm clothing and sleeping bags to the 400 asylum seekers in the park, translating people's needs. It was so cold that they feared for people sleeping and not waking up, which tragically happens. They lit a fire to keep warm and sat up all night talking as a group. That night, Ramzi told them his story and how he sadly lost his brother who had died crossing the Channel. 

On the day Ramzi received his brother's Death Certificate, Goods For Good had provided two footballs donated by Nike. As they pumped them up together Ramzi told them that twice a week he plays football with some of the refugee children in the hostel, to get them outside and active, and that these new balls meant so much to be able to do that with them. When we had finished we asked if we could take a picture of him with the footballs. Here he is; Ramzi, three years on from when we first met him, his brother's death certificate in his left pocket, two footballs at his feet, and a positive plan for the afternoon. Dignity, determination and resilience personified. For us, there is no better example of compassion in action.

Sometimes even the smallest gesture of kindness can leaving a lasting impression on someone's life. You can learn more about the impact of our work here. 

A few facts

• 1.9 million children were born as refugees between 2018 and 2022
• 1 in 5 women refugees experience sexual violence
• It is not just adults and families who come to the UK in search of safety; in the last 12 months, there were 5,010 applications from separated children,  this is an 8% increase than in 2021
• Separated children are regularly trafficked into the UK to be forced into domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and other forms of forced labour

We work with a network of frontline charities that support refugee and separated children. You can support our work by donating the vital funds we need to continue our work. For just £10 you enable us to deliver £50 worth of essentials which go some way to alleviate their  suffering.

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