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Our campaign is now complete. 134 supporters helped us raise £3,193.00

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Closed 31/08/2024
Bristol Hospitality Network

21 Miles to Safety

Join Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN) in our mission to raise awareness and vital funds for refugees and destitute asylum seekers. Take on the challenge of swimming, rowing, paddling the 21-mile distance across the Channel.
£3,193
raised
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Closed on 31/08/2024
RCN 1138498

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21 Miles to Safety

Join Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN) in our mission to raise awareness and vital funds for refugees and destitute asylum seekers. Take on the challenge of swimming, rowing, or paddling the 21-mile journey across the English Channel, or a time or distance related to the No 21 mirroring the small boat crossings that many brave individuals undertake in search of safety.

Why this campaign

People facing persecution often take unimaginable risks to seek sanctuary in the UK.

The Channel crossing may seem like their only hope, a desperate attempt to escape the nightmares they face.

“It was psychologically not a logical decision, but I had no other choice. Either way I’ll die; either at sea, in France or by going back to Syria. That’s how I found myself in a boat going to England.

At Bristol Network, we’re on a mission to change the narrative around seeking asylum, raise awareness of the challenges people endure, and support those made destitute by the asylum system in Bristol.

We’d love your help.

The challenge: Swim, Row, or Paddle

From June 21st to July 21st, individuals and teams can participate by organising their own water-based events EITHER covering the 21-mile distance or a time or distance related to the No 21.

Whether in a pool, lake, river, or sea, it's up to you how you complete the challenge.

A: Organising your own fundraising challenge to cover the distance.

You can Organise a 21-Mile swimathon at your local pool or open water centre sea or river.

You can do this over a few swimming sessions as an individual or duo trio

You can organise your own team relay and swim your distance as a team in one go.

If 21 miles feels too much you can swim 21 lengths 21 times Or swim 210 Meters It's up to you how you go the distance!

B: Row or paddle the distance:

As a team or individually, get creative with your challenge – perhaps a relay on the river or a paddle board adventure!

Who’s Behind the Campaign?

Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN) is committed to providing practical support for people in Bristol made destitute by the asylum system. Every donation makes a significant impact:

£7 pays for a day's travel to support services or appointments

£7 pays for a day's travel for member volunteers

£30 pays for a week's destitution payment for up to 30 hosted members

£50 pays for a bike and cycling gear for someone we support

£100 pays for a week of activities at our Welcome Centre

£150 pays for food at our weekly Welcome Centre Drop In

£200 pays for a week's food and household items at our 11-bedroom hostel

Join us to make a difference and support those who need help the most.

About the charity

Bristol Hospitality Network

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1138498
We provide accommodation in Bristol, both in our own hostel and in a network of private homes, for destitute asylum seekers. We run a drop-in centre for one day per week where our members can meet, get a hot meal, receive English language teaching, and get help with processing asylum claims. We also provide small cash payments to members with no other income.

Donation summary

Total raised
£3,192.49
+ £699.13 Gift Aid
Online donations
£3,192.49
Offline donations
£0.00
Direct donations
£110.00
Donations via fundraisers
£3,082.49

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