Delegations organised by National Education Union (NEU) members and the London International Solidarity Network have contributed effectively to Care4Calais operations, bringing vital donations and enthusiastic volunteers to Calais, France. These volunteers distribute much needed resources to refugees and migrants who are suffering some of the most appalling conditions and treatment.
Human Rights Watch describe the conditions and have produced a report title “Enforced Misery: The Degrading Treatment of Migrant Children and Adults in Northern France,”. This documents repeated mass eviction operations, near-daily police harassment, and restrictions on provision of and access to humanitarian assistance. The authorities carry out these abusive practices with the primary purposes of forcing people to move elsewhere, without resolving their migration status or lack of housing. Thus creating a racist and hostile environment.
In order to demonstrate our solidarity with refugees, in the face of even greater uncertainly amidst forced deportation to Rwanda, we need to redouble our efforts to support Care4Calais and the fantastic work this charity does to support refugees and migrants in Northern France and Belgium.
Care4Calais are currently distributing 485 food parcels per week at a cost of £15 per parcel. That is a cost of £7275 per week, £31,525 per month and £378,300 per year. This provides a very basic food parcel to each person. Every pound and penny will go directly to this cause.
What do we need you to do?
We realise that these are turbulent times especially with such a strain on the cost of living. Please if you can, donate whatever amount to the crowdfunder and spread the word amongst union members, friends and family. Having already experienced great trauma, refugees need to be kept warm, dry and properly fed, and to provide information and solidarity to them in this time of need.
National Education Union divisions and branches we welcome your contributions. Hillingdon NEU at their recent AGM pledged to donate 52 parcels - a parcel for each week of the year at a cost of £780.
Our overall aim in setting up this crowdfunder is to provide as many food parcels for refugees in Calais as we can.
We thank you for your support!