THE MAYOR of Pwllheli is appealing to people to support people in Afghanistan.
Cllr Mici Plwm wants to draw attention to various ways people in the town, and across Dwyfor Meirionnydd and the whole of Wales, can help.
He is calling on people to support the charity, Displaced People in Action with their work in settling asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.
DPIA want to help refugees and asylum seekers gain the confidence they need to feel at home in Wales.
He said: “Reading numerous facts in the press and also viewing television news coverage, that easily bring tears, makes me want to draw attention to various ways that we in Pwllheli and the whole of Wales will without a doubt help people in crisis.
“Eighteen million people in Afghanistan need humanitarian help due to decades of conflict, years of extreme drought and weeks of heavy fighting. Help must be made available.
“By becoming Friends of DPIA there is hope that we can find various ways of working with displaced people, to support their integration and participation in Welsh communities and foster new friendships – and for Wales to become a truly welcoming place for anyone seeking sanctuary.
“Donations to DPIA will help to support the Afghan families through the crisis, and also the large amount of families currently arriving in Wales from Afghanistan.”
Cllr Plwm added: “Without a doubt the providing of emotional support is very important. Having had detailed discussions with Canon Aled Edwards, chief executive of ‘Cytun’: Churches Together in Wales, I am assured DPIA can and will support the refugees. DIPA do not ask for a minimum sum of money and greatly appreciate every donation. If you can’t donate, but would like to know more about Friends of DPIA please email [email protected]. I hope this appeal will provide much needed funds.”
Canon Aled Edwards said: “It is a great pleasure to support the Pwllheli Town Council Mayor’s Appeal for assisting refugees from Afghanistan. Wales strives to be a Nation of Sanctuary.
“Support has already been given to Afghan refugees to settle in Wales and to serve us.
“There are currently 13 Afghan refugee doctors retrained in Wales and registered to work here.
“The new families who are about to settle among us will need long-term support.
“Any support will be greatly appreciated and heartfelt thanks to friends in Pwllheli.”
To donate to DPIA and to find out more about their work, visit www.localgiving.org/charity/dpia/project/friendsofdpia/