The increased police presence in Dunkirk has brought with it much anxiety, uncertainty and even a restriction of certain key items. Ourselves and other organisations such as Dunkirk Refugee Women's Centre and Care4calais have been refused entry to the camp now on various occasions with necessities such as blankets, tarpaulins and even our generator. However, where there is a will, there is always a way and despite the authorities’ best efforts to hinder our work, we have continued to provide the support we give daily. This, of course, has led to the residents becoming even more reliant on the donations we are able to get through.
Fortunately, this week we had the support of our friends from the South-West. As always, Robert Butler and Rowley Surridge arrived laden with donations, this time accompanied by Laura Allsworth, Kini Teesdale and Mark Falmouth. Over the course of the week, we conducted two large distributions including hundreds of blankets and SNUG packs, consisting of socks, hats, gloves and underwear, all beautifully prepared by Kini. We were even able to offer specially-made female hygiene packs to the ladies, thanks to the efforts of Mary Crocker.
The support we have had from this part of the country has been overwhelming. The incredibly active Faraday Fearnside at Open Hearts Open Borders and the wonderful Tamzin Wood at Refugee Aid have both contributed vital items and support that will enable us to work over these coming months. As with all our operations like this, it takes the combined efforts of so many people. We would also like to thank Amanda Pennington at the Wadebridge Refugee Aid Project and the BLEND Bude youth collective for their amazing contributions to this trip.
If you would like to donate, please get in contact. Whether material or monetary, it is all greatly needed.