Talented refugee artist shares gift for charity

A gentle and necessary gift of peace by EE

A key part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS UK)1 's mission is to celebrate and promote the rich contribution that refugees make to the community each day. This month JRS UK has commissioned EE, a talented artist and a refugee friend accompanied by JRS, to design a series of cover artwork for JRS UK's new virtual gift cards 'Refugee Gifts'. Through the colourful designs, EE shares their experiences, and those of their friends, with you.

EE was delighted to contribute their creative work to Refugee Gifts. They said: "I was really touched to be asked. I've been part of the JRS community for a number of years now."

"I enjoy drawing, painting and writing poems. I love the opportunity to create the artwork for this project as I have to make lots of art and share it with you to understand more about JRS. I hope you like my abstract art cards."

The inherent talents, creativity and worth that are present in each of the refugees accompanied by JRS UK are celebrated across the Catholic charity's work. Refugee friends like EE regularly share their gifts with JRS UK and the local community in London; by volunteering at the JRS UK centre, taking part in regular refugee-led creative activities such as the Creative Arts Space, JRS Community Kitchen, and most recently a virtual creative writing space, and drama group, and by leading and contributing to spiritual and religious life in the men's and women's prayer groups who meet online each week.

As refugees share their gifts with us each day, we have launched JRS 'Refugee Gifts' to celebrate the positive impact they have on our lives and share our gifts with them. Every Refugee Gift illustrated by EE is a real example of JRS UK's work supporting destitute refugees, asylum seekers and people held in immigration detention. When a gift is purchased, one of the three areas of our
work that this gift represents, is directly supported; refugee hardship, immigration detention and our legal service.

EE's artistic designs illustrate each of these areas, featuring people and animals, and exploring themes of nature, loving openness, hope, peace, family and friendships. Speaking about their artwork for the gift of volunteer phone calls accompanying those held in immigration detention, EE said:

"The support and companionship from volunteers - both in person and over the phone - are a lifeline for so many people in detention. I couldn't think of a better depiction of the beauty and gentleness of JRS volunteers than a butterfly. The gentle fluttering of their wings and the delicate and lightness of their touch is how I feel treated by JRS volunteers."

Refugee friends, volunteers and staff alike miss the physical hubbub of JRS - a place where a warm welcome was always guaranteed, and the chance to catch-up with one another over a steaming hot cup of tea and enjoy a biscuit or two was a daily habit. Joy and laughter were ever flowing.

Whilst things may be very different now, we hope JRS Refugee Gifts will help that joy to erupt and flow beyond the walls of the Hurtado Jesuit Centre. EE's theme of gentleness and giving continues in their artwork for the gift of welcome, registering a refugee to JRS UK.

She said: "I tried to capture how JRS approaches what can be a deeply difficult and challenging meeting with gentleness and love. This first meeting you explain where you are from, the reasons you fled your home, and sharing your experience of the UK so far - it can be very difficult! The loving hand amongst the vast paperwork and documents shows the loving and caring nature of the JRS staff and volunteers."

"The word 'essential' truly describes the toiletry packs JRS provides. I wouldn't be able to afford to buy toiletries alongside everything else I need to survive. The motif of the hand could be the loving hand of the volunteers who take the time to pack the bags; or the hands of the donors who donate the money and/or items for the toiletry bags. The brightness of the colours shows the happiness when I receive and open one of these bags."

Another bright piece represents support for pregnant refugee friends, and new mothers, a need which is ever present at JRS UK. EE says: "It is difficult enough being destitute and needing to provide for yourself, but having babies and young children to provide for causes additional stress and anxiety. The subdued colours show the anxiety and uncertainty of providing food, nappies and entertainment; The bright & neon colours aim to show the joy and laughter that children bring, and the easing of anxiety a baby essentials pack brings."

"Good legal advice is critical - so many of my friends have bad experiences with solicitors; promises which ended up being empty and money disappeared. I tried to capture the different ways JRS gives legal advice and support - there's no hiding that it's a serious matter, but the advice and support is always given with hope and compassion. For me, that is what the purples shows; and the multiple documents show the depth and clarity of the advice given."

By purchasing one of these - and many other - unique life-changing gifts, you have the chance to share joy with loved ones and destitute refugees at the same time. Supporters can browse EE's energetic and creative artwork in the JRS Refugee Gifts shop online and send a physical card or downloadable e-card to family or friends in time for Christmas. Gifts range from £5 through to £100 - so there is something for everyone!

Order by 16th December to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas!

LINKS

Refugee Gifts - www.jrsuk.net/refugeegifts/

How it works - www.jrsuk.net/refugee-gifts-how-it-works/

See more: www.jrsuk.net/how-your-gift-makes-a-difference/