Please support St Chad’s Sanctuary

A charity committed to helping asylum seekers and refugees is appealing for monetary donations in order to survive.

Like many other charitable organisations St Chad’s Sanctuary, based on Shadwell Street in Birmingham, has been hit hard by the pandemic.

The charity has continued to operate throughout the past year, providing food, clothing and hygiene products for those who have nothing. But it now needs urgent financial support.

Now in its 11th year the charity welcomed its first guests on Ash Wednesday, 17 February 2010.

It was launched by Sister Margaret Walsh, now Patron of the charity.

“Building relationships of trust and friendship was soon coupled with the provision of essentials like food, clothing and hygiene products as well as the teaching of English as a second language and welfare support,” said Sister Margaret.

“We have been so blessed by the support especially of the Catholic community: parishes, schools and chaplaincies as well as amazing individuals. Together, we have made the project something that has made a massive difference in the lives of countless individuals and set them on the road to a new life very different from some of the circumstances of desperation that they left behind.  

“Now, 11 years on, St Chad’s Sanctuary moves into a new phase of its life. So much of the generosity shown to the Sanctuary is in the form of supplies collected and brought to us, and long may that continue. But, truthfully, in order to not only survive but to continue to meet the ever growing needs of asylum seekers and refugees, we also need financial backing.

“We are not in competition with all of the other good causes at home and abroad, but this is a time of particular need for us and we appreciate your prayers and your financial support.”

St Chad’s Project Manager, Abigail Martin, said: “Like so many others we have been hit hard by recent events and are struggling to make ends meet; our financial situation is not good.

“We ask you to consider donating money - whether it is your birthday present to us; your Lenten almsgiving; your Easter rejoicing; or your daily commute equivalent.

“It may be that you work for a business that encourages corporate giving - could you nominate us? You may be involved in a school as a parent, teacher, staff member, governor - could you suggest that they adopt us as a Lenten charity or a longer term project?

“Perhaps your parish may need somewhere to donate monies offered at family occasions? We have existed for 11 years, helping countless people who otherwise would have suffered.

“We are proud of what Sr Margaret created and grew, and want to remain for as long as people need us; and sadly, they do still need us. We would be grateful for any help you could give to help us be here for the next 11 years. Thank you.”

For further details on how to donate please visit the Sanctuary website

Photographs: St Chad's Sanctuary welcomes people from all over the world.


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