Local homelessness and refugee charities are in line for generous donations thanks to the Chair of the council’s fundraising efforts.
Published: Friday, 20th March 2026
Chair of Cherwell District Council, Councillor Dorothy Walker is raising money for Homeless Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Homeless Movement and Asylum Welcome during her term of office.
A key focus of this is the Chair’s Charity Lunch which took place on Saturday, 7 March at Exeter Hall in Kidlington, bringing together councillors, community members and supporters of the charities.
Councillor Dorothy Walker, Chair of the Council, said: “I am profoundly grateful for everyone who attended our fundraising lunch and who has supported my fundraising efforts throughout the year.
“Homeless Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Homeless Movement and Asylum Welcome are all carrying out vital work, assisting vulnerable people and supporting the health and resilience of our communities.
“With the right support, people seeking sanctuary or facing homelessness can not only find safety and stability, but often go on to great things. At our lunch we heard the inspiring testimonies of two speakers with lived experience of rebuilding their lives with the support of these amazing local charities. It is a privilege to be able to fundraise in support of them during my term as Chair of the council.”
One speaker at the event shared his experience of homelessness and how support from Homeless Oxfordshire helped him navigate a very difficult period and rebuild his life as a musician and aspiring poet.
Another spoke about arriving in Oxford as a refugee and the role that charitable support played in helping them establish stability and the confidence to set up a successful business.
Attendees also heard from Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, organisers of the annual Oxford CEO Sleepout, which saw Cllr Walker, Cllr Chris Brant and Cllr Lesley McLean raise over £1,900 for the charity.
The event was catered by Damascus Rose Kitchen, a social enterprise founded by Nuha from Syria with a group of Syrian women. The enterprise began as a small pop-up initiative and has since grown into a successful venture, serving Middle Eastern food and supporting refugee women locally.
The event was well attended and raised money through ticket sales and a raffle, with the total amount to be announced at a later date. Cllr Walker will continue her fundraising efforts for the rest of the municipal year and will present her chosen charities with their cheques at the annual council meeting on Wednesday, 20 May.