Cash Grants for Destitute Asylum Seekers

We (Léa, Lisa and Lucas) are running the Hackney Half Marathon on Sunday 26th September 2021 to raise funds for destitute Asylum Seekers who attend the British Red Cross' Hackney Destitution Centre.

The Hackney Destitution Centre - on the corner of Graham Road and Dalston Lane - is a pillar of the local community in Hackney, yet few people know what it actually does. The centre opens its doors to nearly 200 destitute Asylum Seekers and Refugees every week, providing emergency provisions, including food parcels, clothing and toiletries to people who otherwise do not have a means to get these basic yet essential provisions.

We are looking to raise £1800, which is the equivalent of 30 £60 cash grants for Asylum Seekers living in London with no access to public funds and without the right to work. These small cash grants are vital emergency funds to people living in destitution. Cash grants are always in high demand at the Hackney Centre and need to be accessed quickly. Your help can really make a difference to the people who need these grants.

The Hackney Half Route goes past the Hackney Centre on mile 6, just before half-way of the race, and I am sure will give us the added momentum we need to get over the finish line! This community has a special place in our lives too, with Lucas working there for almost 4 years and Léa volunteering there once a week. We know what amazing work the team of Gloria, Joe and Carolina are doing at Hackney and crucially, we know that with this run and your support, any money raised will be given as cash to the centre and will go directly to the grants project and into the hands of people who most need it.

Thank you so much and hope to see you cheer us on from the side-lines on the 26th September!

P.s - this is our FIRST EVER HALF MARATHON!