WEST WALES refugee support group Hiraeth Hope’s ‘Greek Supper’ helped raise over £2200 for families who have made the harsh sea crossing to Lesvos, Greece from Turkey. 

Hiraeth Hope supported group members Cara and Steve Wilson with their Greek Supper event which took place on Friday January 15, and raised over £2200 to send Steve Wilson and Ian O’Donahue to the Greek island of Lesvos for 10 days, where they will be helping to rescue and take care of refugees who have reached and are crossing the sea to the small island.

Speaking to The Herald Steve said: “It’s much easier to take over money, than items. The money will be spent on aid for some of the 500,000 refugees who have made the crossing from Turkey to Lesvos.”

Cara Wilson, supporting her husband arranged a fund raiser in St. Dogmaels Memorial Hall. Expecting only 40 people to turn up until two-weeks before the night, she was overwhelmed by the support received with over 200 people attending.

She said: “I cannot believe how well this has gone, we only had the idea a month ago, and with little advertising, it really goes to show that despite the negative media image, lots and lots of people do support refugees.”

“I would love to get the message out that anybody, anywhere can do what we have done, there are no big organisations fighting for this cause locally, so it is up to us in communities to get together and raise funds, and when available go and visit these places where men, women and children are in need,” Cara added.

170 Greek dinners were served, with entertainment from the St. Dogmaels choir and Rasallilah, a Greek music group, the evening also held a raffle and auction which included outdoor benches made by volunteer refugees.

Adele from Swansea brought along three refugees, Karim, Tamo and Ayesha who have gained asylum to the UK who all stood before the crowd to speak about their former professions and lives before coming to Wales.

The events supporter Hiraeth Hope, offer respite and working holidays to those already in Wales. Hiraeth Hope’s director and the evenings chef, Fred Luckman works with Swansea refugee organisations like Unity and Diversity.

In the UK refugees are not allowed to work while their papers are being processed. Many fail to get asylum at which point they must leave their accommodation within 28 days and are not allowed to rent or work at all, despite this they are not sent back to their countries which are generally considered too dangerous so they are left in limbo, often having to rely on others who have been granted asylum for support.

“We are also particularity looking for people in Pembrokeshire who are interested in perhaps providing some weekend housing for these refugees. Activities and craft work, staying with a family in West Wales provide a breath of fresh air for some of them.” Fred Luckman said.

“The present policies are a recipe for problems” said Vicky Moller, a Plaid Assembly candidate and a director with Hiraeth Hope. “I am urging the UK to allow a sponsorship scheme, which could be piloted in one county or in Wales. Then we could invite in refugees who would fit in, on the basis of friendship and avoid using any public money. They could work without taking local jobs.”

“I am taking two MEPs and an MP to the refugee camp in Calais to discuss with the people living within them and aid workers what we could do to respond to the crisis more intelligently.”

All counties in Wales have been asked to take a small number of Syrian refugees, first to answer was Ceredigion Council who took a group in before Christmas. Carmarthenshire has also responded and is taking a number of Syrians shortly, despite continued pressure from Pembrokeshire locals and Hiraeth Hope, Speakers said: “Pembrokeshire County Council refuse to take in any refugees and sometimes don’t even reply to questions regarding the topic.

“With very little monetary support we could work together to with the council to house and provide activities for Syrian refugees.”

One North Pembrokeshire resident who had a phone call with a housing officer for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The counties around us are responding but Pembrokeshire officers cite lack of political will as the reason for inaction.”

St. Dogmaels Councillor Mike James, was prevailed upon to look in on the fundraiser. He was shocked at the level of support and promised to ask for a progress update at County Hall.

A spokesperson for PCC told the Herald: “A report on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme will be presented to Cabinet for consideration in February.”

He also added that the issue: “is not only a matter for the local authority but for a number of agencies who will need to work together to deliver services to ensure that any placements are sustainable.”

To find out more details about Hiraeth Hope and the work they do visit: www.hiraethhope.org.uk