Bearwood children keep Christmas spirit alive

Collection to help send books for refugee children.

Prompted by the success of their first appeal in September for items to help Syrian refugees stranded in Calais, local residents were keen their Christmas appeal would go some way to help children affected by the refugee crisis. Working with local playgroups, Bearwood Action for Refugees have been collecting colouring books, crayons and pencils to send to Syrian children in Leros, Greece.

Children from local Bearwood playgroups at St Germains, Thimblemill Baths, Bearwood Chapel and Thimblemill Library, moved by the desperate situation of Syrian children and wanting to show them peace, love and solidarity at Christmastime, have got involved in the campaign. Sandwell Lions have generously donated the postage and 160 presents will be winging their way to Syrian refugee children in time for Christmas.

Aside from the Christmas Colouring Book Campaign, Bearwood Action for Refugees have been raising funds for Leros Solidarity Network. In under a month over £600 has been raised through raffles at Bearwood Handmade Christmas craft fairs, cake sales and just this week over £300 was donated to bucket collections at Abbey Infants School’s Christmas performances. Further fundraising events and partnerships with other local groups and schools are planned for the new year.