CHURCH-goers across the Diocese of Winchester have raised nearly £6,000 to support the work of the Red Cross resettling refugees in Hampshire.
Parishes responded eagerly to the Christmas appeal from the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, and raised £5,685.16 for the charity.
The first refugee family moved to Hampshire just over a year ago and there are now families living in East Hampshire, and Winchester, among other places.
Bishop Tim’s Appeal was to support the British Red Cross, which is working in partnership with Hampshire County Council provide refugees with a range of different services.
These include legal and language support, in additional to practical help in the form of food and clothing.
Volunteers from churches across Hampshire are working closely with the British Red Cross and Hampshire County Council to offer practical support, and the funds raised will support the ongoing work.
Bishop Tim said: “I am very grateful to parishioners across the Diocese of Winchester who have donated to help the Red Cross to continue to work with refugees who have been resettled locally.
“In recent weeks we have heard worrying rhetoric and scaremongering about refugees from some politicians. The success of this appeal is a sign that, in our diocese, we reject the politics of fear and instead choose to welcome those refugees who are making new homes in our local community.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Hampshire County Council and the Red Cross in the coming months.”