The Oxford-Léon Association is launching an appeal to raise money to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic in Oxford’s twin city of Léon in Central America.

The Association is already supporting volunteer groups, Nuevas Esperanzas and NECAT (Nicaraguan Education Culture & Arts Trust) to support poor communities in Léon.

The voluntary groups are providing advice, soap and food parcels to vulnerable families.

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Jenny Houston, secretary of the Oxford-Léon Association said: “We have had to cancel our Misa Campesina and our annual Swim for Léon, our two main fundraisers, because of the pandemic.

“But the need in Léon is greater than ever as they in turn struggle to tackle COVID-19.”

Oxford City councillor, John Tanner said: “I hope everyone will dig deep for the poor people of Léon who like Oxford are facing coronavirus but without all our high-tech medical equipment.

“We are asking people to please give a tenner or whatever they can afford to save lives in Léon.”

The association has launched the financial appeal online and donations can be made via: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/twincityleontacklecovid-19