Westhill Welcomes Refugees, not Racism!
Community groups and local residents are gathering on Saturday 23 August, from 5-7pm, for a peaceful event outside the Hampton Hotel on Straik Road, Westhill. There will be food, music, colourful banners and messages of hope for the refugees living there.
Why Now? Throughout August, angry protesters have targeted people seeking asylum across the UK, standing outside their homes and shouting threats and abuse. This has happened at two hotels in Aberdeen. Westhill is their next target.
These protesters - often bussed in from all over Scotland - say it’s about local concerns. So why are they targeting vulnerable people who have nothing to do with government cuts to public services? Protesters have zero evidence for their accusations about hotel residents, who are stuck here while the Home Office deals with a backlog of paperwork, and who volunteered to clear our parks after Storm Floris.
Imagine fleeing your home, leaving everything behind to escape war or persecution, and suddenly finding yourself not only alone in a new country, but unable to go outside because a terrifying mob is threatening your life.
This is our community and we cannot let our neighbours be treated this way.
If you’re thinking, “plenty of folk will be there, I’ll go if they turn up again,” please note: Saturday will be the fifth such demonstration in our area in just three weeks - it is vital we stand together NOW and reject this message of hate!
Please join us in a spirit of friendship and compassion to say “Our Community Cares.”
Westhill welcomes refugees, not racism!
