Amazon in Wakefield marks Africa Day with £1,000 school supply donation to Leeds Refugee Forum

Leeds Refugee Forum is a refugee-led organisation that directly supports refugees and asylum seekers as they begin their new lives in Leeds. They offer practical support through ESOL classes, homework clubs and youth groups. 

Amazon Wakefield volunteers packed 100 school supply kits containing essential school items like calculators, pencils and dictionaries, which were donated to the charity to be used in homework clubs. 

The wider Africa Day celebrations took place onsite in conjunction with Amazon’s Black Employee Network (BEN), and featured a drumming circle hosted by Beat Feet, storytelling workshops, and language classes. 

Esther Daniel from Amazon in Wakefield, said:  “Events like this are what make our workplace special.

"Our colleagues threw themselves into the drumming, the storytelling, and the kit packing with real enthusiasm. We hope these school supply kits can make a meaningful difference to children and families in Leeds.” 

Ali Mahgoub from Leeds Refugee Forum, added:  “We’re honoured that Amazon chose to support Leeds Refugee Forum as part of their Africa Day celebrations.

"These school supply kits will go directly to children and young people in our community who need them most, and it’s heartening to see local businesses stepping up to welcome and support refugee families settling in Leeds.” 

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.

Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need.

The initiative has donated more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. 

This year, the Multibank will send 1 million orders to families across the UK.