Nine Syrian refugee families are settling in well to their new homes in Aberdeenshire, with neighbours providing a friendly welcome often baking for them and giving them gifts to make their houses feel like homes. All of the families lost their personal belongings in the war and are having to rebuild their lives from scratch.
The families are very independent and are grateful for all the support they have received but they do require some essential items.
That is why a corporate account has now been set up by North East Scotland Credit Union to allow people to donate money so these items can be purchased for the families as the need arises. The fund will be managed by representatives of the Church of Scotland, Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (AMIC) and the Aberdeenshire Partner Refugee Group.
Payments can be made by on-line transfer using: S/c 608301 act 20139906. When using this process you must put your name and 10017 as reference for the payment. Cheques can be made payable to the credit union and sent to 7 Finnan Place, Torry, Aberdeen AB11 8RG. Alternatively contact the credit union on 01224 899688 / 0300 66 63728 or email info@nescu.co.uk
The Rev Stella Campbell, minister of Skene Parish Church and Finance Convener of the Presbytery of Gordon, said: “We have been involved in welcoming the families to Aberdeenshire. None of us can even begin to imagine what they have been through so we wanted to do what we can to help them settle in to their new life here in Scotland.
“Children made welcome cards for them which were placed in their homes ahead of them arriving so it would be one of the first things they would see when they got to their new home.
“Now they have settled in we have a good idea of some of the practical items they need. We are therefore asking people to donate what they can to help make life a little easier for these families. That is why we are delighted to be working with AMIC and the credit union in launching an account so people can donate money.”
Hassan Ghanduri from Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre said: “We have been overwhelmed with offers of support and kindness from people across Aberdeenshire who would like to help. The launch of the donation account means people who want to help can now do so.
“The families need help with practical things such as purchasing school equipment, shoes, warm coats, child seats etc. We hope to be able to use money raised through this appeal to provide necessary items for them as the need arises and are delighted to be working with partners to make this happen.”