Four Dacorum charities have benefited from cash grants as a big thank you from a group of refugees who were given help to set up home in Hemel Hempstead 40 years ago.
The Dacorum Indian Society celebrated its anniversary of coming to the town by donating more than £2,000 to good causes.
They wanted to once again show their gratitude for the support given to the 30 families who sought refuge in Hemel Hempstead when Ugandan President Idi Amin expelled all the Ugandan Asians from the country in 1972.
The Salvation Army, Churches Together, Dacorum Borough Council, Hemel Hempstead Lions Club, Community Action Dacorum and resident Asians all played their part in helping the refugees settle.
The society has given The Salvation Army and Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care £250 and has donated £200 each to DENS and Shopmobility.
It also gave £200 each to the Hertfordshire Deaf Children Society, British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Vision Aid. A total of £250 went to the Children’s Society and £500 was given to Ugandan Children through UNICEF.
Since moving to the town the Grovehill-based group has supported many causes, both locally and abroad. It has held educational classes and helped with many community events. The group’s aim is to preserve and promote Indian culture while integrating with the wider community.
Chairman Chiman Sheth said: “Over the years Uganda Asians have made a remarkable contribution to our economy.
“They have worked hard and settled well in Britain. On behalf of the Dacorum Indian Society we would like to thank all those who helped to raise these funds for the good cause.”