Big Brekkie 2017 from Christian Aid

Since the announcement that the district that I live in, Sevenoaks, will be taking in its first Syrian refugee family after hundreds of people signed a petition asking Sevenoaks District Council to promise to provide at least one of these families a home in the next five years, there has been much debate locally on the topic.

Unfortunately, there are many people who do not like the idea of a refugee family moving in, particularly as the house available is a vacant six-bedroom house in the village next to mine and many residents believe that local people should have priority, despite there being no local family in need which is appropriate for the house.

This whole experience has opened my eyes to the views of other people and I have been really disappointed in those who think that the Syrian family do not deserve the house and clearly do not realise (or even care) that these people probably have nothing to their name and may well have lost loved ones in the recent turmoil.

Today I wanted to let you know about the Big Brekkie 2017 from Christian Aid, part of Christian Aid Week 14‑20 May, who believe that sharing a meal can bring us together and help break down the barriers between us. Christian Aid has more than 70 years’ experience of working in partnership to support communities to thrive.

Although I am not religious I can relate to wanting to help those less fortunate and this campaign focuses on showing love for people living in poverty and suffering injustice around the world. The Big Brekkie idea is a simple one, just invite friends, family and colleagues to attend fundraising breakfast which you host so whilst you are enjoying sharing a meal you can raise money through donations to help Christian Aid support refugees.