War Bear campaign to raise awareness for refugees.

Hi,

My name is Matthew Wiggans and I am fundraising for an awareness campaign for refugees, to coincide with the launch of my new book War Bear (see War-Bear.co.uk for details). The campaign will support a well known charity in raising awareness and funds, with donations from the book going to the charity. Alongside the book, a 4 minute animation is being made by a Bristol based studio, which will be shown at national and international festivals. The funds raised will recoup a portion of the costs of running the campaign.

The book itself is aimed at 6-7 year old's and was written following the concern that I felt following the reaction to migrants and in particular refugees during Brexit. The inspiration for War Bear came in 2016 as Britain was in the process of leaving the EU and the effects of the Syrian refugee crisis was an international concern.

At this time, I was saddened by the reactions of a minority to the increase in numbers of refugees and the desire of some to close our borders.

I wanted to create a story that spoke of the hardships of being a refugee in a way that children could understand and relate to. A story that might reach past the political noise and help people think about people again.

I hope for a future where those fleeing countries due to conflict, hunger, poverty or political reasons face a brighter and more welcoming future.

Thus, War Bear was born.

I hope that you will help us along this journey.