Supporters get behind CARAS based in Tooting
AFC Wimbledon fans have been publicising the work of a local charity for refugee children and their families.
Below is a message representing the view of Dons fans.
A week or so ago, a small group of AFC Wimbledon fans got together to see what they could do to show their support for the thousands of refugees that are so starkly on our screens day after day. Being a fan-owned club rooted in community values, it was felt that we wanted to do something more than just giving publicity to the plight of these people. It’s a happy coincidence that one of those involved actually volunteers for a charity based in Tooting, SW17, which recently changed its name from the Klevis Kola Foundation, to Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS).
The organisation helps families seeking asylum by providing services that would often be very difficult to access given their circumstances, such as after school clubs, trips holidays and through advocacy work.
Though now known as CARAS, it was formerly named after a seven-year old boy named Klevis Kola, who benefited from the services provided by the charity. He was sadly deported back to Albania without being able to say goodbye. CARAS continues to help more children like him.
The programme will feature an article about the charity, with the opportunity to donate via text. In a happy coincidence, the club had already very kindly invited the charity back after a recent visit (young people from the charity are pictured above with AFC Wimbledon Foundation Sports Development Officer Charlie Jones). We hope they enjoy their day.
Our support has even received the support of Amnesty International. Steve Symonds, head of refugees programme at Amnesty UK, said: “The plight of refugees has been on our TV screens for several months. These are people fleeing raging conflicts, cruel regimes and grossly over-crowded, under-funded refugee camps. They’ve lost their homes and communities; many have lost their loved ones. They need our support, which requires our courage and kindness. Amnesty is delighted to support the initiative of AFC Wimbledon fans today.”
You can donate a little bit of your hard-earned money to help such a worthwhile, local cause.
How to donate on your mobile: Text the code CARA25 and the amount you want to donate to 70700.
https://www.justgiving.com/kleviskolaTo donate via Just Giving go to and click on ‘Donate’.