About GRACE
Our Story
GRACE (Greenwich Refugee Aid & Community Enterprise) is a non-denominational charity, founded in 2015 by Claire and Andreas. The charity's focus was supporting refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of trafficking and abuse rebuild their lives. Between 2015 and 2021, we sent over 3,000 boxes of clothing aid, tents, prams and toiletries to Greece and France. We also purchased items directly for distribution to refugee camps and asylum seekers. The majority of this charitable work targeted migration issues happening in the Mediterranean.
Connecting Communities, Changing Lives
Following the UK fully leaving the EU in 2020 and the COVID pandemic, our focus shifted to supporting those in need living in and around Lewisham, south-east London. We also provide small grants to organisations working with refugees in Greece and Syria, with Palestinian refugees and in Türkiye following the earthquake in February 2023.
Through our partner scheme, we work with similar organisations and charities supporting individuals and families in vulnerable situations. At GRACE, we provide clothing, toiletries and basic household essentials, free of charge, all delivered through our Lewisham-based charity shop.
We provide our services through fundraising, donations of pre-loved items from the local community, charitable grants and the revenue from our charity shop.
At the heart of charity are our team of wonderful volunteers. They give generously of their time each week to help run our shop by sorting donations, stocking the shelves and serving customers.
GRACE is registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales number 1169544.