BIG-HEARTED Redditch residents defied the elements and helped raise hundreds of pounds to buy essential items for Afghan refugees who have escaped the clutches of the Taliban.
Despite an early snow storm, a coffee morning at the Ecumenical Centre in the town centre saw a steady stream of people making their way to a special coffee morning held in aid of the cause.
And with a superb collection of cakes on offer – at just 50p a slice – and coffee, tea and hot chocolate for a £1, a good time was had by all.
A tombola with a table groaning in prizes also saw brisk trade.
However it was all for a serious cause.
Afghan citizens who had helped the British during the war and peacekeeping effort in their country faced persecution and even death once the Taliban swept into power.
Worcestershire is expected to take in the region of 200 of those refugees, most of whom have arrived in the country with nothing.
Nicki Farnes, the manager of the Ecumenical Centre who organised the event said: “These people have lost everything and so this coffee morning was all raising money to help provide all the little things we take for granted in our lives.”
One visitor was former council leader Bill Hartnett. He said: “This is such a worthwhile cause to help people who have helped this country, so well done Nicki and the Ecumenical Centre.”
