Jackie and Martin are cycling from Justicia, The Bolton Fair Trade Shop to Southport and back, approximately 65 miles if we don't get lost!, to raise money for Bolton's refugee community.

A recent electoral leaflet suggested that Bolton has taken more than its fair share of refugees. We were proud of this but what were we doing to help? Through fair trade we were invited to attend Bolton City of Sanctuary AGM and found the testimonies of refugees who had been made welcome in Bolton very moving. We found how City of Sanctuary brought women together to share emotional and practical burdens and have fun at the sewing group, how drama workshops with The Octagon helped people to share stories, bring confidence and improve language skills, and how shared food is enjoyed together. Working together with the Destitution project City of Sanctuary helps to find accommodation for destitute asylum seekers. Raising money will help in the continuance and expansion of this work.