REFUGEES will face winter a little warmer thanks to a curry fundraiser.

More than a hundred Harbour Project supporters met at Victoria Road curry house The Jewel in the Crown – with diners enjoying a banquet and raffle.

In previous years the annual fundraising event has brought in over £1,500 for the Broadgreen-based charity, which helps hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers living in the town.

Unlike grants, which often have to be spent on specific projects, money from the event can be used to fund the Harbour Project’s areas of most urgent need.

The Harbour Project’s Annie Vickers said: “If we have unrestricted funds we can go out and buy things like winter coats.

“If you’re living on £36.95 a week, as asylum seekers are, you don’t necessarily have the money, for something like a coat.

“This is about meeting people’s practical needs.”

Swindon is one of four “dispersal” towns in the south west, with people posted here while their asylum claims are processed. During that time – which can take months – the refugees are given £36.95 a week by the Government on which to live.

The Harbour Project, which has a base just off Manchester Road, offers refugees help with processing their asylum claims, English classes, social events and a place to meet.

The charity is supported by dozens of volunteers.

Elaine Long has been involved with the charity for 14 years and helped organise the Jewel in the Crown fundraiser on Monday night.

“I enjoy volunteering for Harbour,” she said. “I like doing something useful. There’s such a need in Swindon. The people that we help really do need it.”

To donate to the Harbour Project, visit www.harbourproject.org.uk