Two members of a Knighton support group have been busy fundraising during World Refugee Week, raising almost £2,000 in the process.

Angie Zelter and Camilla Saunders, members of the Knighton and District Refugee Support Group, came up with online fundraisers to raise money for the community group, which provides support and assistances to refugees in Powys.

The Knighton and District Refugee Support Group offers a yearly day out for refugees, most of whom are placed in Cardiff. Refugees of all nationalities who have been given protection in Wales, which recently declared itself a Nation of Sanctuary, have enjoyed generous food, activities and Knighton based walks to help them adjust to their new lives in Wales.

Angie created and hosted an online Auction of Promises which raised £1,685 selling prizes such as a weekend for two at (to be enjoyed after lockdown) at a holiday cottage, a Welsh Dragon and many other great opportunities.

Camilla, a talented musician and member of the support group, came up with a similarly creative fundraiser, offering bespoke online musical concerts to individuals or groups willing to donate to the support group which raised more than £300.

“From the off, bidding was enthusiastic and the winners left delighted with their trophies,” said Angie.

‘‘Not only did generous supporters help us raise these funds to help refugees but it was a reminder to us all of the desperate plight that they face and of the responsibility that all UK citizens have towards refugees.’

Camilla added: “I have been enjoying playing music of all kinds. These have included my own songs, pieces picked up in towns and refugee camps in Palestine, from Chilean friends who sought sanctuary in Britain from the dictatorship of Pinochet and also arrangements of tunes I learnt from an Iraqi colleague who came to the UK as a refugee.

“His refusal to play the kind of music demanded by Saddam Hussein meant he either had to leave Iraq or face going to prison. My own musical life - and life in general - has been enriched by these connections. Refugees from all over the world have added so much to culture and the arts in Britain; we would be much poorer and less colourful without them.”

Knighton and District Refugee Support Group can be contacted on knightonrsg@gmail or find them on Facebook for further information or to make a donation. 100 per cent of all donations go towards support and assistance to refugees.