Flight and asylum

A small group of local people came together earlier this year with the aim of settling three vulnerable Syrian families in the community.  As an initiative distinct from local authority-sponsored resettlement, our group has to demonstrate  financial security for the scheme, along with the wherewithal to meet other essential costs, so tonight we  mounted a fund-raising + information  event at town's cinema-cum-theatre. 

There was a moving (and disturbing) short film Home that casts a  typical white Western family, such as most of us could  identify with, in the situation of refugees fleeing from unspecified traumatic violence; then there was a presentation of the situation in Syria as it was (a progressive, sophisticated culture and society) by a member of the International Organisation for Migration; some of us  provided an array of Syrian-style nibbles (see extra); and finally there was a very successful auction of goods and services donated by local businesses and individuals.
But what probably made most impact on the audience was the short talk by this local man.  In the late 60s/early70s Joe, born in Kenya of Goan descent, held a responsible job in the postal service in Uganda when President Amin cracked down on British Asians in the country.  Fearing for their safety Joe sent his wife and small children out but managed to continue in his official position, using it to help other Ugandan Asians to get their money and possessions out of the country. He even managed to rescue two who had been sent to the notorious Makindye prison ('you never got out') by driving up in a postal van and authoritatively declaring theirs was a case of  mistaken identity. But  he was told by an informant he was being watched - and next that he needed to flee immediately. He managed get a plane to Italy and then to make his way to the UK to join his family in a transit camp in middle England.  Eventually they were told there was a house available for them in Fishguard - take or leave it. Where is Fishguard? they asked. In Wales - where is Wales...? 
They took it, sight unseen, and arrived with nothing at all. Neighbours in the street rallied round and helped them with what they needed. Their children settled into school. The family were accepted by the community and over the past 40+ years they have given back in no small degree  the kindness  they received. Joe was elected to town council and served  a term as mayor. He has been heavily involved in youth work. To say he and his wife are pillars of the community hardly does justice to the deep respect in which they are held. 
They still live in the house first provided for them as refugees.

Our event was successful in raising a substantial sum of money as well as further expressions of interest and offers of help. Yes, someone did mention the word 'floodgates' and someone else on social media has accused us of being lily-livered lefties but overall we feel optimistic that the example of Joe and his family will prove a template for some, if not all, of the new arrivals we aim to support.