Devon-based social enterprise, Proud2Be recently hosted a jumble sale to raise funds for two initiatives that support refugees and asylum seekers.
The event raised £422 pounds, which will be split evenly between Embracing Refugees and Beyond Borders Totnes & District. Items that were not sold on the day were distributed between three local charity shops and several bags of warm clothes are currently making their way to Calais.
Proud2Be co-founder Mat Price, said: “We are thrilled that we were able to raise funds for such an important cause, and one that is very close to our hearts. It is also our way of sending out the message that we are proud to stand in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers in the South West and beyond. We would like to thank Dot Spink, the volunteers and all those who donated, for making the event such a success.”
This follows the news that Proud2Be have successfully obtained grant funding from The Big Lottery Fund and Local Youth Network to go towards the costs of their community work in South Devon, that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual &/or trans+ (LGBT+) people, their families and friends.
Proud2Be’s monthly social group for adults is now held at the Rushbrook Centre in Totnes, on the second Thursday of each month. The group is now free to attend and provides a safe space for LGBT+ people, their friends and family members to meet.
With support from The Big Lottery Fund, Proud2Be are now hiring the community bus service Bob the Bus to provide transport to and from the social, for those who live in towns and villages nearby and would otherwise struggle to attend the group due to limited transport options and or mobility issues.
This year’s Totnes Pride will be held on Saturday, September 3. Launched in 2013, the popular community event provides the whole community an opportunity to come together to celebrate diversity in the local area and raise awareness about the issues faced by the LGBT+ community in Devon and beyond.
This year’s event will include a high street procession, community stands, an art craft area, a family area, a panel discussion, workshops and informative talks, an after party and much more.
Special guests will be announced in due course.
Proud2Be also run a youth group which provides an opportunity for LGBT+ young people (aged 13-18) to meet in a safe space to be with and make new friends. With support from Local Youth Network, the group is now able to run twice a month in Central Totnes.
Recently, Proud2Be have been acknowledged for their community work and have been nominated for the LGBT Community Organisation Award at The 2016 National Diversity Awards.
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