Charity of the month: Refuweegee

Chosen by Kirsty Cleary, Craft Beer Advisor & Keyboard Team Captain

Possessing the power to improve the lives of others is, in many ways, a privilege and one that comes with its own sense of obligation. Acting on this responsibility can empower us to effect change, reinforce our own personal values and allow us to feel like we’re living in a way that is true to our own principles. Whether that’s by providing direct help, giving information or raising awareness of an issue - whatever it is that you care about - there will be a charity already working on it. Working locally, small charities are often best placed to understand the specific challenges faced, making them better positioned to build relationships in the community and help those hardest to reach.

Arriving in a new city as a refugee can be a disorientating experience. Refuweegee, a Scottish charity founded in 2015, aims to make the experience a little less frightening, and life a little better, for those who need it the most. Often in the form of welcome and essentials packs, they’ve made it their mission to offer displaced people the warm welcome they deserve and that Glasgow is world-renowned for. 

Along with actively raising awareness of refugee rights in the local community, this charity also hosts events that bring old and new Scots together. Over 150 welcome and essentials packs are delivered every single week, containing everything from food and clothing to toiletries and pushchairs. The items from these packs are always needed and are happily accepted by donation. In fact, these donations are what allows the charity to respond flexibly to the needs of those arriving. The cherry on top in every welcome pack is a 'Letter fae a Local’; from postcards to post-it-notes, letters to pictures, as long as they are welcoming and kind. How sweet is that?

To donate, or find out more about Refuweegee, visit www.refuweegee.co.uk