A PETERSFIELD-based charity which re-homes Syrian refugees and lone Syrian children, will be picking up the pace of their work this year.
During 2017 the Rural?Refugee Network (RRN) rehomed four Syrian families, all in East?Hampshire, and it expects there will be more to come this year.
But despite the impending increase in demand for its services as pressure increases on the UK to accept more refugees, it is looking to help further afield.
Now the charity, founded by Julia Thistleton Waugh and friends, is looking to take its unique blend of caring, practicality and experience and directly help in Syria.
Just before Christmas the charity announced it planned to begin looking for a charity to partner with to help displaced Syrians living in refugee camps. Or, Julia suggested, perhaps help with a project in Syria that is helping to rebuild the country, in however small a way.
She added that RRN was quite keen to get involved to provide help on the ground, perhaps supporting a community school.
The charity has also anounced its next two fundraising activities – the first is the annual fundraising walk, which will be held on Sunday,?February 4. Meet at Elsted village hall at 10am for a 10.30am start.
Family tickets for the three mile walk across the Downs are £10, followed by tea and cake in the hall.
Following the walk, artist and long time RRN supporter Alex Rennie will be holding a solo show in London, in aid of the charity.
Inspired by RRN volunteers, the theme of the show will be about the welcome refugees are experiencing in UK communities.
For details about the charity visit the website www. ruralrefugeenetwork.org