We have raised an extraordinary £22,600 since we launched our fundraising campaign just eight months ago. This impressive sum – over 50% of our target – has come via such varied means as concerts, grant bids, donations and greeting card sales.

Our success to date has given us great confidence that we’ll reach our goal of £40,000, and so be able to sustain and expand our support for refugees and asylum seekers in West Sussex.

We’ve got a pipeline of future events and activities lined up to support our appeal:

• Throughout August we’re asking supporters to bake and sell cakes on our behalf and to send a cheque for the proceeds – however small – to Sanctuary in Chichester, PO Box 794, Chichester, PO19 9UL.

• On Sunday 7 October, at 6pm, soprano Rebecca Grove and mezzo-soprano Stephanie Peat will sing to the accompaniment of harpist Frances Kelly, at Holy Trinity Church, Bosham.

• We are having a charity party on October 13 at the Dell Quay Sailing Club. It will run from 7pm until late and the £15 tickets will include a delicious home-cooked, two course buffet supper, a bar, music, dancing and beautiful views across the harbour (moonlight permitting!). For more info, contact su.leeming@btinternet.com.

Seeking new fundraisers

Our fundraising success is due to the generosity of our supporters and the efforts of our voluntary fundraising committee. We are looking for new recruits to attend our monthly meetings and to plan and help with events and other fundraising activities. If you are interested in joining the team, please mail us at sanctuaryinchichester@gmail.com.