The last official UN figures (2014) puts the number of people forcibly displaced from their homelands at 19.5 million and the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) at 38 million. Given the ongoing turmoil in Syria and other Middle Eastern countries, the number of people fleeing civil disorder, war, drought, famine and religious, political and sexual persecution now undoubtedly exceeds these figures.

Regardless of one’s views about the current refugee/ asylum seeker debate in Australia, suffice it to say that there are millions of desperately unhappy people languishing in United Nations’ refugee camps worldwide.

In Kenya alone a camp, Hagadera, contains almost twice the population of Coffs Harbour (73,000) What’s more, the country hosts five camps, sheltering more than half-a-million people and is nowhere near as rich a country as Australia.

So, what can Bellingen Shire people help?

Well, apart from supporting Australia for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) with a regular monthly donation, there are two fundraising events scheduled for June.

The first is a Simon Tedeschi recital in Nambucca Heads on Sunday, June 12. Simon is a pianist of world standing and has generously agreed to donate his time and talent in a concert at the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre at 2.30 pm.

Tickets are $25 (adults), $5 (children) and available from Alternatives Bookshop (Bellingen).

The second event is a Bello Brunch scheduled for June 20, World Refugee Day. Location is The Old Butter Factory and starts at 11am. Cost is $40 (meal $25, donation $15). Meal options include beef, chicken, vegan and vegetarian. Local Bellingen choral group, Akabella, will perform some songs from their repertoire while Mike Griffin and John Pollock from Rural Australians For Refugees will speak about an aspect of the global refugee situation. The brunch is an officially endorsed Australia UNHCR fundraiser and all donations are tax deductible.

For further enquires text Rose on 0432 181-474