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Leeds Refugee Welcome and Support Project

Join our campaign to welcome refugees to Leeds-UK and give them hope and a future.

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Leeds Refugee Welcome and Support Project

Leeds Refugee Welcome and Support Project

Leeds Refugee Welcome and Support Project

Leeds Refugee Welcome and Support Project

Leeds Refugee Welcome and Support Project

Join our campaign to welcome refugees to Leeds-UK and give them hope and a future.

Join our campaign to welcome refugees to Leeds-UK and give them hope and a future.

Join our campaign to welcome refugees to Leeds-UK and give them hope and a future.

Join our campaign to welcome refugees to Leeds-UK and give them hope and a future.

Gordon Hurd
Gordon Hurd
Gordon Hurd
Gordon Hurd
1 Campaign |
Leeds, United Kingdom
$239 USD 20 backers
0% of $50,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

Short Summary

My name is Gordon Hurd aka Big Man Tyrone. I am a journalist, author and philanthropist. Since arriving in the United Kingdom from Africa around 12 years ago, I have championed several humanitarian causes including working with refugees and children.

The idea for this campaign came to me when I saw the lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi, the 3-year-old Syrian boy who drowned and was washed ashore as his family tried to flee from Kobani to Europe. I felt so much pain seeing him lying face down on the shores of the Turkish coast and decided that I needed to do something to help those who have succeeded in making the perilous journey to the UK.

By donating to this cause, you would help build a refugee welcome centre in Leeds, one of the main refugee hubs of the UK. Your donation will fund, amongst other things, IT equipment and internet access to enable newly arrived refugees to communicate with their loved ones back home. It would also enable them to improve their skills and find gainful employment. We would also be able to fund an emergency food bank to feed new arrivals and cater to the needs of their children before referring them to mainstream Government services.

What We Need & What You Get

In order to get the centre up and running for at least 6 months while we access Government funding, we would require at least $50,000 (£31,000). This will fund:

  • Rents and rates for the centre
  • IT and office equipment
  • Internet access
  • A crèche for refugee children
  • Emergency food aid
  • Emergency clothing and bedding
  • Wages for one staff
  • Volunteer expenses

We know you just want to help and get nothing in return. However, we feel that you deserve something to show for your generosity and we have developed a set of perks for all our donors as a thank you gesture for your generosity.

I am confident that we can raise the full amount for our campaign by dint of your generous support.

If, however, the funding target is not met, we will curtail the scope of the campaign, acquire the premises and start seeking alternative funding for the entire project. This project is too important to be abandoned.

The Impact

This project is very dear to my heart and will go a long way to help refugees in need, especially those fleeing the war in Syria. The world is watching us as this massive crisis unfolds in Europe and around the world. We cannot be found wanting.

My Track Record

I know you would like to find out what credentials I have to run this campaign. I have a 10-year track record working with refugees and disadvantaged communities. Here are examples of some of my philanthropic work:

  • In 2004 I raised nearly $200,000 and set up a refugee centre in Liverpool called the Love Asylum Seekers and Refugees Project (LOVAR). It brought together newly arrived migrants and local people in an IT suite and helped foster a sense of community. 600 refugees benefited from the project which the Community Foundation for Merseyside included in its annual report as an example of good practice.
  • In late 2004, I was assigned by the Refugees, Asylum Seeker and the Media (RAM) project to Antananarivo as part of a UNICEF campaign to train journalists on the Ethics of Child Reporting.
  • In 2005, I raised $15,000 and launched a campaign in schools around Merseyside in the UK to raise awareness of refugees and discuss racism. 300 pupils personally designed posters and sent to our project expressing their support for asylum seekers and refugees.The campaign was reported in the Liverpool Echo.
    http://bit.ly/refugee-support-echo 
    http://bit.ly/refugee-support

  • In 2007, I organised the first ever Annual Refugee Awards on Merseyside, and brought together 84 organisations and 600 guests from all segments of the community. I received an award from Merseyside Police for my “outstanding contribution to the local community”.


  • In the same year, I published the UK’s first refugee magazine titled HAVEN, to highlight the issues faced by asylum seekers and refugees and provide a directory of services for their use.
  • In 2008 I was appointed Area Manager of Refugee Action in Leeds.
  • I am a diligent Manager, use funds judiciously and have a track record for transparency. The Leeds Refugee Welcome and Support Project will be registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee and all accounts will be available at Companies House UK.

Risks & Challenges

I realise that pulling off this campaign is fraught with challenges. Not all may see the importance of what we are trying to achieve. Conversely, I know there is a lot of good will out there and that people want to do good. The outpouring of support by the British public reassures me that we can achieve our goals.

I have outlined my track record earlier on and I believe I have the experience and skills to make this project successful.

Sustainability of the project is a key factor and I have put a plan in place to access available funding from funding bodies to continue the work.

Other Ways You Can Help

We realise that not everyone can contribute financially to the cause. However, there is a lot you can do to help.You can donate clothes and food to help sustain arriving refugees. You can help spread the word about our campaign. 

Please be sure to use our Indiegogo share tools.

  • Copy the campaign URL and paste it into an email or social media update
  • Click on the Facebook, Google Plus or Twitter icons to share through your social media networks
  • Add a widget to your blog or personal website. Click Embed and then copy and paste the widget code. 
  • Send a direct email from Indiegogo.

We so look forward to your support so that we can give hope to refugees and help them live in dignity.

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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Choose your Perk

Thank You Email

$10 USD
You will receive a courteous email from the project thanking you for your generous support.
5 out of 400 of claimed

Receipt And Thank You Letter

$25 USD
You will get a receipt and a printed letter posted to you on project letterhead thanking you for your kindness.
2 out of 200 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Printed Donor Certificate

$50 USD
The project will send you a full color printed certificate to express our gratitude for your largesse.
1 out of 100 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Framed Donor Certificate

$100 USD
You will be entitled to a beautifully framed color certificate on premium paper expressing our gratitude for your commitment to the cause of helping refugees live a better life.
0 out of 50 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Donor T-Shirt

$200 USD
You will get a high quality T-Shirt branded with the project's colors in recognition of your selfless donation to the Refugee Welcome and Support Project.
0 out of 50 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

T-Shirt and Framed Certificate

$300 USD
For your generosity, you get a double token comprising a T-Shirt and framed certificate. Our own way of saying thank you for your support.
0 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Donor Plaque

$400 USD
This imposing plaque will look good on your office wall and attest to your commitment to the great cause of helping refugees live better lives.
0 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Donor Plaque and Certificate

$500 USD
Two accolades for the price of one. You get a framed certificate and a great plaque to adorn your office and evidence your support for a great cause.
0 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Gold Plated Star Award

$1,000 USD
The jewel in the crown, this award, finished with a gold plate and personalised inscription, is reserved for our most generous contributors. We believe that a great donation needs a befitting recognition.
0 out of 6 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
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