Christmas Cards 2019: Side By Side with Refugees

Aim

To continue our work helping those fleeing from war, conflict and poverty, who find themselves stuck in limbo in Calais, Dunkirk and Paris.

WHO ARE SIDE BY SIDE?

Side by Side Refugees aims to help individuals and families trying to find safety and refuge. We do this by collecting and distributing humanitarian aid in the form of clothing and food to northern France. We also fundraise to provide support where and when it is most needed.

The video below was edited just a few weeks before The Calais Jungle destruction in 2016. Our aims remain unchanged: responding to this humanitarian crisis in northern Europe as quickly, as efficiently, and as sustainably as possible.

This year our team will be sharing some brand new and beautiful creations whilst raising money, something to link both to the experience of refugees and to the Christmas season. For the third year running the super-talented James Mayhew & Toto have given more than we could have hoped! They have succeeded in creating two outstanding and unique pieces of art, which we can now offer to you! 

With your generous donations we can really make a huge difference, helping those we encounter and showing compassion to those who have already suffered so much. This is our chance to stand for something important and although we are not many, we are mighty!

The money we raise will provide more resources for the work that Side by Side Refugees has been doing for over three years, including providing hygiene -, household -, bedding items, clothing for all ages, desperately needed food for those surviving on very little, and allowing us to adapt to the constantly changing needs of a growing refugee population.

REWARDS

Artwork created by renowned illustrator James Mayhew and theatre & costume designer Toto (otherwise known as Antonio Reche-Martinez) has been made into cards for the Christmas season, with blank insides in order to be completely accessible and inclusive, in packs of 10 square 12.6x12.6 cards including envelopes, featuring two distinct and beautiful designs:

Eastern Promise:

"The refugees from the East remind us of the Christmas story, and yet so many people view the Middle East with trepidation. This card celebrates the beauty, heritage, architecture and culture of this region, under a shooting star, heralding hope and peace." - James Mayhew

The Holly Fairy:

"'The Holly Fairy' is flying over to music from the Nutcracker - reminding us of the things we love about Christmas, such as stories of magic and hope"- Toto.

• EXCLUSIVE PACK (1 pack) - £7
  Thank you for supporting us!
  One pack of 10 cards is enough for your very favourite people, those you love above all others. Ten people can receive a gorgeous card with one of two designs. Choose wisely!
  
  
• INNER CIRCLE (3 packs) - £20
  Thank you so much for supporting our crowdfunder!
  Three packs of 10 cards will stretch a little further to family and friends. There’ll be more love this Christmas as your loved ones open such beautiful designs with your heartfelt Christmas wishes.
  
  
• SPREAD THE LOVE (5 packs) - £30
  You are wonderful; thank you!
  Five packs of 10 cards will stretch to friends and family to catch up, share a holiday greeting, and spread that Christmas spirit. It’ll be far less difficult to write that list if you’ve got a nice number of cards.
  
  
• LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (10 packs) - £55
  Thank you so much for your compassion and generosity.
  With ten packs of 10 cards you become an incredible Santa Claus-like bundle of joy by sending all your family, friends, and colleagues these limited edition cards designed specifically for Side by Side Refugees.

All donation amounts include a small postage cost.

This covers a small amount of dispatch costs as much of your donation as possible goes directly to those in need. We hope you understand and we will try our hardest to get your rewards to you swiftly. Our happy Christmas Elves are volunteers but work extremely hard, all with a bit of love and sparkle.

We have taken care this year to make our products as eco-friendly as possible, to step away from damaging practices that are creating more refugees the world over. We have swapped the usual cellophane and so each pack of 10 cards is wrapped simply with a paper band, and sent using eco-friendly bags. All our packaging is also manufactured in the UK to limit the miles it has travelled! By encouraging recyclable options we hope to make a small but important difference whilst offering a great product to you, and raising valuable funds for refugees!

Who could ask for more out of humble Christmas cards!

THE TEAM

Katrina Kieffer-Wells - Founder & Chairperson

James Mayhew - Artist & Illustrator

"Toto" Antonio Reche-Martinez - Artist & Designer

Liz Morgan - Distribution Head

Elle Cronin - Crowdfunder Administrator

David Elcock - Card Creation Wiz

Find us on Facebook!
For more information about Side by Side Refugees click here.

FAQ's:

Can I buy the cards without using the Crowdfunder?
We are currently giving the cards as a reward rather than selling them. We want to say thank you rather than just selling to you as we truly appreciate all the help our supporters give us! These designs are exclusive to Side by Side with Refugees and have been kindly created especially for us by James Mayhew & Toto.

How many designs are there?
We have two beautiful designs, Eastern Promise and The Holly Fairy However, there are some designs created for last year's fundraiser available via our charity facebook page - better get them quick as once they're gone, they're gone!

How many cards are in each pack?
Each pack contains 10 square cards (12.6x12.6)

What's written inside the cards?
They're blank inside in order to be completely accessible and inclusive.

Can I purchase a different amount of cards?
Unfortunately not; we've grouped them into different set reward packs and only have a certain amount of packs.

How long are these cards available for?
Until 12th November 2019 or the rewards run out! Better get there fast!

Can I donate each month?
Of course! We'd be very grateful for your continued support, you can do this by heading to our website and hitting the donate button.

What happens if we help you reach the target?
There is so much we can do in Calais and Northern France that in this case more truly is better. We appreciate every extra penny of support because it all makes such a difference to those we work with, so please do share this page and spread the love!

This project successfully funded on 12th November 2019