14 June marks the start of this year’s Refugee Week, a national event celebrating the contribution of refugees to our society. To highlight the plight of the millions of displaced people who are forced to flee their homes and countries, Marlow Refugee Action are inviting everyone to join their “On The Move” challenge. Whether you walk, run, swim, cycle or row, we are asking participants to log the kilometres they cover during Refugee Week and see how far along a 4,228 kilometre virtual route from Damascus in Syria to Marlow we can travel.
With the support of running groups, community groups, schools and individuals, MRA hope that participants will either make a donation or seek sponsorship and help us to raise £1,000. There is an online form to submit the distances covered: https://forms.gle/w1g77m4e82EXQUJE9.
The online Virgin Money Giving page to create a fundraiser, or to donate to the challenge, is available at: https://bit.ly/3ulU2wh
Link with Candle Calm
Also for Refugee Week, MRA has collaborated with a local Marlow company, Candle Calm, to develop the Sanctuary Candle. The soy wax candle combines bergamot, pine and cedarwood essential oils to create a delicious scent. For every candle sold, Candle Calm will donate £5 to MRA. On 20 June, International Day for Refugees, MRA will invite everyone to join in lighting a candle as we reflect on all those forced to leave their homes to escape war, violence and persecution.
Candles are available to buy from: https://www.candlecalm.co.uk/collections/candles/products/the-sanctuary-candle.
Other events in the week
Over the years, a number of Marlow residents have spent short and extended times supporting refugees in a number of ways – from providing legal advice and medical care, to making food, handing out tents and clothing. On Wednesday 16 June, we are organising an on-line event where we will hear from three participants about their experiences, abroad and closer to home. The link for this event will be posted on our Facebook page.
Trustees from MRA will be speaking at All Saints Church and at the Methodist Church, as well as participating in a virtual event being organised by Buckinghamshire County Museum exploring refugee stories. Marlow Library will also have a display of literature written by, or about, refugees and displaced persons.
Further details are available about the organisation and the planned events for Refugee Week is available at: https://www.marlowrefugeeaction.org
