Aid for Refugees

One of our daughter's friends is collecting sleeping bags and other times, including children's clothes. They're going to a main collection point locally for onward transport to Calais.
I emailed our local refugee support group over a week ago, wanting to volunteer but haven't heard anything. I plan to phone them tomorrow. I saw a Save the Children ad on tv today, starving children in Africa - I was giving my 4 month old, chubby and thriving, grandson a bottle when the ad came on. The famine in Biafra was on tv when my grandson's mum was a new born - not a lot changes does it. I'm planning to send cash for the famine relief.
Feeling very fortunate, very sad and also, distressed by the selfishness and lack of simple compassion shown by some people in the face of the dreadful news on our tv screens currently.

I don't think criticising the way other people feel, helps at all.

It did inject a sour note into what has been a positive and generous-spirited thread, I agree.

What selfish people?

Although I haven't seen tv for a few days. but I thought most people seem to be affected by their plight.

There's not a cuddly toy or piece of clothing on the list, you'll be pleased to hear, jingl. It's all things like toothbrushes, baby wipes, disinfectant, plasters, first aid kits, etc.

Iam, here's something you might be able to do to help some people in Calais.

www.change.org/p/david-cameron-mp-include-the-269-syrians-in-calais-in-uk-refugee-plan

Yes, yet another petition which will have no effect whatsoever - that'll help the refugees...

Over a million signatures on the petition about refugees got Cameron to make a statement this week, Ana. Not a good enough statement, but I think he said today that we might be able to accept 20,000 Syrian refugees this year. That's another change because of people petitioning.

You appear to have forgotten what you said further up the page, about sour notes in a positive thread, Ana.

As part of the WI centenary our WI had planned to collect 100 items to donate to a local Women's Refuge. We are now planning to collect 200 items so we can send to refugee women as well. We are making contact with charities already active to see what they need but sanitary pads, soaps, flannels etc. are likely to be the main items.

No, I haven't forgotten what I said durhamjen. Why should you think that?

My scepticism about the value of petitions is just that - I'm not bewailing the lack of simple compassion shown by 'some people.

I don't know if nappies are on the lists; in some of the refugee camps in Turkey mothers resorted to using polythene bags on their babies; some developed such terrible sores they required hospital treatment (after aid workers had finally persuaded the men to let them past to examine the babies).

Of course essentials are desperately needed, but I still think a little child in distress would be comforted by a small soft toy, at least that is what I have been given to understand by people who have been carrying out this humanitarian work for years, not just in the present crisis.

Nappies are on my list, and sani towels.

It must be awful for girls and women without the above djen

I think some decent soft toys could be of great benefit for the children who must be so traumatised.

There is nothing wrong with decent second hand clothing as long as it is sent clean and wearable. I am sure many on here buy from charity shops.

Nothing wrong at all, Nelliemoser; however I have heard from an established small charity that some of the clothing sent was not clean or fit for re-use!