Story:Fran Belbin
Like millions of others I was really touched by the harrowing images of the refugee crisis in Europe which have prompted such a fantastic outpouring of support for refugees and a wave of aid initiatives.
Stuart, of South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group, and myself, a Burngreave Messenger volunteer, are planning to volunteer for a few days in “the Jungle” in Calais, where four thousand refugees are currently forced to live.
We plan to fill a campervan with essential aid items and take them to a refugee distribution centre in Calais from 21st October. We are appealing for donations. We cannot waste space by taking stuff that can’t be used – at Calais there are few women and children, so most needed are things like men’s outdoor clothing and footwear in good condition, tents, tarpaulins, pots and pans. People who want to donate should check the calaid.co.uk website first.
Refugees need our practical solidarity to meet their immediate needs alongside a wider political campaign that addresses the roots of this crisis.
We are being sponsored by Unite Community South Yorkshire, but raising more money towards the trip and essential equipment via https:www.gofundme.com/pitsmoor-calais.
The Northern Refugee Centre are also appealing for funds to support refugees coming to the UK, donations can be made at https://www.nrcentre.org.uk.
Donations of equipment can be made to the Theatre Delicatessen on the Moor.
They are also being collected at the Messenger office in Abbeyfield Park House, but please phone ahead on 242 0564 to check that there is someone available to receive your donation