IMIX and Together With Refugees have announced they are launching an idea in Birmingham and are looking for supporters to help.
The Commonwealth Games come to Birmingham on 28 July, and they’d like people to come together to show solidarity with refugees and make a stand against the Rwanda scheme by completing heart shaped routes either by walking, running, cycling, skating, using a wheelchair or in any way they can! A heart is the official symbol of Together With Refugees, an organisation that brings together people and movements to show that most people support a fairer, more effective and compassionate approach – and that refugees have always been part of the UK.
They are especially keen to kick start things in Birmingham in order to generate regional media interest but would like to see nationwide participation.
“The Commonwealth Games are historically ‘underpinned by the core values of humanity, equality and destiny’, it seems an ideal opportunity for Birmingham, an official City of Sanctuary since 2015 – or other cities, towns and villages – to send a clear message to the government that we need a fair and workable alternative to offshoring those who seek safety in the UK… all that matters is that you take part, share it on your app and social media channels and show MPs and politicians that you support the UK as a place of safety for those fleeing war, terror and persecution”. – Gary Pluck West Midlands regional lead at IMIX
This is the brief:
- Use a mapping app or online tool to plan out a route in the shape of a heart. You can use Strava, MapOmeter, Runkeeper, or any of the other apps and tools available.
- Complete your route and record your time, share the route and your time on the app and your social media channels using the hashtags #B2022 #RunWithRefugees and tag @bhamcos on Facebook or Twitter so they can share too.
- Challenge up to five friends to complete your route and beat your time or create a route and time of their own to share.
The Commonwealth Games begin on Thursday 28 July so they need enough people to complete their route and share it by Monday 25 July in order to build momentum and media coverage ahead of the opening ceremony.
If you want to know more you get in touch with Gary at: Gary.Pluck@IMIX.org.uk
Social media assets and full information will be available on both City of Sanctuary and Together With Refugees websites this week.
