560 coats distributed this month in Calais and Dunkirk

‘I spoke to an Iranian man today who took me aside to thank us for the coats we distributed on Saturday, including the one he was still wearing. It had been snowing for 5 hours that day, and the ground was totally covered, and it was bitterly cold.

He thanked us for being there despite the snow during the last week, for showing up to help those in need regardless of the weather conditions. He said he always looked forward to seeing us, and that he couldn’t explain the difference a dry, warm coat makes on such a difficult, cold day.’ – Imogen, Care4Calais Operations Manager

So far this month, our amazing team of volunteers have distributed 560 coats to refugees in Calais and Dunkirk. Conditions are treacherous, and during the pandemic and lockdowns, there are hardly any places where those living on the streets can go to get out of the cold.

Many have next to nothing to protect themselves against the snow and rain – one man came to our distribution last week wearing only a t-shirt, in temperatures of -2 degrees. With constant evictions happening in Calais, we cannot overstate how important it is that we’re able to provide people with a warm coat to make the freezing days and nights slightly more tolerable.

Everyone has the right to a warm, safe place to avoid the winter conditions, and to live without hunger and pain. We will continue to provide aid in northern France and Belgium, and support refugees arriving in the UK, and we need your help! Perhaps you have a coat at home which you no longer wear, or you could start a local collection with friends, neighbors or colleagues.

To donate a warm coat to a refugee in need this winter, organise a collection or help us buy one for £20, go to care4calais.org/coats4calais.