Dumfries and Galloway comes together in overwhelming show of support to help those in crisis in Calais.
Horrified at the situation in the refugee camp in Calais, the people of Dumfries have organised aid to be delivered to those in need in an act of compassion and solidarity.
In less than 48 hours, almost 1,000 people region wide have come together to assist the relief efforts in Calais by organising Collection Hubs covering the whole of D&G, and a central Dumfries based Drop Off Point to collate the donations.
A spokes person for the group stated “People have had enough of how badly their fellow human beings are being treated. It shouldn’t take photographs of a drowned child to prick the conscience enough to see the Refugees as people just like us but, unfortunately, it seems to have come to that. The truth is that they are fleeing from horrors that we can’t even begin to imagine and we must help all we can.”
“We take so much for granted ; we never know what is round the corner. It’s that simple. I can’t begin to contemplate what must have gone through Aylan Kurdi’s poor mother’s heart and mind as his tiny body slipped from her grasp, yet so many similar families are taking such risks to get to safety. ”
“What is heartening though is just how many people have leapt at the chance to help. It just shows what can be achieved on a grass roots level when people pull together.”
Liaising with volunteers from l’auberge des migrants, the organisers have made sure that they collect only items that are truly needed as sending the wrong things, however well meaning, can cause additional problems for those on the ground trying to help.
“Warm clothing, shoes, shelter, toiletries and tinned goods seem to be most urgently needed and, with the colder weather coming, money for firewood.”
The group stated “We are trying to encourage a more human element to this collection too, so people are invited to send drawings, letters of support, cards and notes, even if they aren’t in a position to donate physically or financially. Please give what you can, even if all you have are a few kind words and some human warmth.”
More information, including details of the region wide Collection Hubs, can be found on the Facebook group Massive Outpouring Of Love – D&G Refugee Action and there will be a collection from 10am – 4pm this Saturday 5thSeptember and 6.30pm to 9pm on Tuesday 8th September at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 36 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ.
