All,

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. As many may know, I moved to the Bay Area from the UK almost a decade ago. I currently serve as a board member of the British Benevolent Society (BBS), a charity that supports Brits in the US. I'm raising much-needed relief funds for the British community in the US.

COVID-19 has caused economic hardships to many across the US, and the British community here is no exemption. The BBS works tirelessly to support Brits across the western part of the US with life-saving aid in times of greatest need. Those times are now. The organisation has already awarded over 30 grants and $50,000 in the hands of those that need it within the last few months.

The calls for support from new applicants continue to flood in, from aspiring artists in LA to museum curators in Seattle. For many, they have no safety net and a restricted ability to claim unemployment support. The BBS is their only support whilst they are in the US.

The BBS needs additional support to be able to provide additional relief. The BBS has designed one-time COVID-19 grants of $1,500 for individuals during these times. If you know of any Brits in the US in need, please encourage them to apply (https://bbsofca.org/get-help).

If you happen to be in a position where you can help the charity, please make a donation. Any amount helps. If you can give $100, we'll recognise your donation with a free (single) membership to the BBS. $175 will get you a couples membership. With a membership you'll get access to our (temporarily virtual) community events.

Every donation counts, and 100% of all funds will go directly to relief cases. Here are some examples:

• $25 subsidises an individual's prescription medication for a month
• $100 supplies a family with groceries for a few weeks
• $250 provides immigration, legal and medical professional support for an individual. 
  

My goal is to raise a total of $1,500 to support another relief case for those in need. Please help if you can. If you'd like to learn more about the charity please visit www.bbsofca.org

Best,

Arif