With clubs across the UK joining Amnesty’s Football Welcomes campaign, Bradford City AFC is using the month to draw attention to how its Ukraine Emergency Appeal continues to aid refugees.
In addition to raising funds which HRF are putting towards helping those who have been hit by the conflict all over the world, the Community Foundation continues to run various drop-off points for physical aid, with regular trips across the continent to ensure it is received by both people in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighbouring countries.
Adam Thirsk, who is the Community Foundation's director of operations, continues to transport humanitarian aid to a mother and baby charity on the border of Ukraine and Romania, while donations are specifically also being distributed to refugees across the Bradford district.
Now in its fifth year, Football Welcomes celebrates the contribution footballers from a refugee background make to the game, and highlights the role football can play in bringing people together and creating more welcoming communities for refugees.
Coming during a refugee crisis in Europe, this year's campaign looks to highlight the work being done by clubs and organisations across the country to try and offer as much aid as possible.
To mark the month, which is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the Community Foundation is currently collecting, sorting, boxing and sending humanitarian aid to across Europe, while also sorting through donations and working with charities such as HRF and Womanszone to offer support and help to refugees living in Bradford.
Ian Ormondroyd, Bradford City Community Foundation chief executive officer, said: “Bradford is known for its diversity, and football is known for bringing people together.
“We want to make sure the work we do in the community is accessible and our programmes are available for everyone.”
Naomi Westland, head of Football Welcomes at Amnesty International UK, said: “The current refugee crisis in Ukraine shines a light on the importance of welcoming refugees wherever they are from, whether that is Ukraine, Afghanistan, Eritrea or elsewhere. Football Welcomes is a great initiative to do this.
“It is heartening to see clubs like Bradford City using football as a powerful force for good, bringing people together and providing a sense of belonging.
“With the support from the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, Amnesty will continue to welcome refugees alongside football clubs across the country to show there is more that unites us than divides us.”
For full details on our Ukraine Emergency Appeal in partnership with Bradford City Community Foundation and Human Relief Foundation, and how you can get involved, please CLICK HERE.
To find out more about Amnesty International UK, please visit www.amnesty.org.uk or follow @NewsFromAmnesty on Twitter.