Amazon wishlist for specific donations to help Afghan guests
People in Oxfordshire are being asked to make donations of very specific items to help Afghan people currently being looked after in the county after their recent arrival in the UK following events in their home country.
As is the case throughout the country Oxfordshire is playing host to a number of Afghan people in temporary accommodation as a prelude to them moving into more stable accommodation once central Government has allocated families and individuals to appropriate homes either locally or elsewhere.
The people of the county have been very generous in contributing an array of items that have been welcomed by those in temporary accommodation and those who initially arrived in the country at RAF Brize Norton before being transported elsewhere. Soft toys, sanitary items and clothing have proved very useful.
Earlier in September the county council announced that it would work with district and city council partners and the charity Asylum Welcome to publish an Amazon wishlist should any further very specific items be needed in due course.
That list is being hosted by Asylum Welcome and has now been published and can be found at Amazon.co.uk . Items that are being requested include various items of clothing and shoes, sanitary products and headphones. The page will make clear when donations have been received to a level that means no more are required.
Asylum Welcome supports refugees and asylum seekers in Oxford and Oxfordshire. Volunteers, members, supporters and staff work to help people who have arrived in the county to live with respect and dignity and give valuable advice and support as they adjust to life in their new country. The charity has been assisting local councils ever since Afghan people started arriving in the UK in August.
Asylum Welcome Chief Executive Mark Goldring said: “Our Afghan guests are very gradually adjusting to their new circumstances having left their home country in very traumatic circumstances. The items being requested on the Amazon wishlist we are hosting with support from Oxfordshire’s local councils are reflective of the fact that they are now beyond the very initial period after their arrival in the UK although still obviously in their early days in a new country. We hope that people can help with the items listed.
“If we receive as overwhelming a response as we saw when the Afghan people first arrived in this country then it may be that this appeal only lasts a short time. However it may also be that the page is updated when we need new items as different needs arise.
“As has been said before by our local councils we hope that people will understand when we say we don’t want to discuss the specific locations that they are in here in Oxfordshire, the numbers here or any other detailed aspect. We need to give them the time, space and privacy after what they’ve been through.”
Cllr Emily Smith, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council said: “Afghan refugees are arriving in the UK with virtually nothing, having left their country in devastating circumstances. I’d like to thank residents across the Vale, who have already been incredibly generous with donations and offers of help for the individuals and families who will settle here in Oxfordshire. The support they need will be on going for some time though and if anyone is able to help Asylum Welcome this is a quick solution and a good way to make sure that your donations go to those who really need them.”
Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our partners at Asylum Welcome are experts at dealing with donations and working with new arrivals in the country and we are grateful for their involvement. I would once again like to thank people for the way they have responded – it reflects the generous and kind-hearted nature of Oxfordshire people and reflects very well on this great county of ours.”
