Our StoryOur group was instigated by two of our members Seb and Mim, who had a deep connection with Syria, after having spent a summer there – here’s a little of their story.
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“We visited Syria in the Summer of 2000. We didn't know anything about Syria, and didn't know what to expect. We were overwhelmed by the welcoming friendliness and generosity from everyone - inviting us into their homes, meeting their mothers, staying overnight and eating dinner. We never felt unsafe or threatened. Instead we felt like honoured guests. So much so, we even slept in our van in the middle of Aleppo with all the doors and windows open!
We remember two old Syrian folk walking past us when had broken down once. They stopped and greeted us with smiles and nods, giving us a free bag of fresh apricots.
Our van broke down again outside Homs one Friday (the Muslim day of rest). We gestured to a man with a VW van to see if he could help us. He seemed to say that he would be back. We expected it would be the next day. But as soon at the sun set (the end of their Sabbath day), a van showed up, towing us to a garage. The mechanic repaired our van free of charge (despite our proud attempts to pay), whilst the garage owner served us coffee and asked us with great interest about our journey. We are so devastated by what has happened to Syria. Our hearts break wondering where all those lovely people we met are now. Our trip gave us both a heart for the people in the Middle East. The Community Sponsorship Scheme gives us a chance to give back the love, kindness and safety we felt from the Syrian people. It’s the chance to completely turn around one family’s life and future. Giving them safety, freedom and hope.”
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Braunton Refugee Sponsorship Group believe that all humans have a right to live free from violence and war, and have a right to basic human needs such as food, shelter and education. The UK has a long history of supporting those who have fled war, and we hope to help uphold this noble value, by welcoming those in need into our community.
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