On Sunday 10th September a number of Dragon Boats will be taking over the Medway River in Tonbridge, Kent in a series of epic races. Tonbridge Welcomes Refugees (TWR) has cobbled together a group of eager volunteers to compete in one of these boats and here we graciously ask you to support our efforts.

We are probably not going to be the fastest, but we will definitely be competing with smiles on our faces, almost certainly in silly costumes and no doubt getting very wet!

And whilst we are not necessarily racing to win, we are competing with all our hearts to raise money and awareness to help the refugee families that have become part of our community in Tonbridge and the surrounding areas. Specifically, the funds we raise will help us run our mentoring programme for unaccompanied minors; buy resources for our volunteer-run English lessons; help pay for broadband for refugee families when they arrive - this is crucial to find out how family members and friends left in war zones are surviving; and help with emergency purchases of food, clothes and other items.

We are proud to support a growing number of refugee families in Tonbridge & Malling - all of whom have fled war zones and had to endure unthinkable journeys to reach the safety of our town. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the local community and many beyond it to date. We are desperate to continue helping some of society’s most vulnerable members and we would welcome anything you feel you can donate.

For more information about Tonbridge Welcomes Refugees or if would like to volunteer please visit: www.tonbridgewelcomesrefugees.co.uk.