Ed and Laura are running the Sheffield Half Marathon on April 26 2009.

We thought it would a good opportunity to raise some cash for a great charity in Sheffield.

ASSIST supports destitute asylum seekers living in the city.

Please give what you can.  Any donations, however small, will be received gratefully, but the bigger the better!! 

http://www.assistsheffield.org.uk



What is Assist?

ASSIST stands for Asylum Seeker Support Initiative – Short Term.  It is a charity that helps destitute asylum seekers in and around Sheffield. Asylum seekers become destitute when all the support they have been receiving from government is withdrawn following a final negative decision on an asylum claim. Not allowed to work, many become destitute, struggling daily for food, accommodation and clothing. It is estimated that there is about 1000 destitute asylum seekers in the Sheffield area alone who are being denied homeless shelters or any state funded support.

 Assist tries to help the situation by:

• finding night shelter for those sleeping rough
  
• finding temporary accommodation with host families
  
• paying a small weekly grant for food and basic living expenses
  
• advising about other sources of assistance available (charitable and non-charitable)
  
• giving free bus pass vouchers to those with serious medical problems, and pregnant women who would find it difficult to walk
  
• giving free bicycles
  
• finding longer term solutions by assisting clients to pursue their asylum claims
  
• raising awareness to the problem through events and talks

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Asylum Seekers Support Initiative- Short Term (ASSIST) gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!