Vivienne Westwood has joined with the Refugee Council to celebrate their 60th anniversary by fronting their unique fundraising appeal for traumatised refugees. The British fashion designer is appealing to the public to donate to the charity on Monday 5 December when all donations will be doubled if they reach a target of £20,000.

All proceeds will go towards the Refugee Council’s Therapeutic Casework Unit, which provides tailored support for victims of torture and sexual violence, helping them come to terms with their experiences and rebuild their lives. This is part of the Big Give Challenge which doubles donations to selected charities with money from private sponsors.

The appeal is the culmination of the Refugee Council’s 60th anniversary celebrations throughout 2011. The charity formed in response to the 1951 UN Convention for Refugees, created to ensure people fleeing Nazi Germany, and other forms of persecution in their own countries, could get the protection they need in a safe country. The Refugee Council has since been the leading organisation providing support and advocating for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

Vivienne Westwood says:

“I believe that refugees and asylum seekers need our help. I believe this help should not stop once they get onto our soil, but continue until they are back on their feet. For this reason, I am proud to support the Refugee Council’s Big Give appeal which will enable them to continue supporting traumatised refugees, as they have done so well for the last 60 years.”

Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:

“We are delighted to have the support of one of Britain’s most cherished icons. Britain has a long-standing tradition of supporting and providing protection to people seeking safety here and the Refugee Council has played a central part in that over the last 60 years. We urge the public to join Vivienne Westwood in donating to our appeal so that we can help more traumatised refugees to rebuild their lives.”

Your donation could be doubled if you make it on Monday 5 December:  email ben.latham@refugeecouncil.org.uk or call 0207 346 1280 and we’ll be in touch on the day to remind you.

ENDS