Coronavirus: Volunteers and donations urgently needed

The global coronavirus pandemic means we are in urgent need of more volunteers and donations to ensure that already-vulnerable refugees aren’t exposed to even further health and safety risks.
We are concerned that refugees are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus (COVID-19) due to existing poor health from living outside and exposure, the prevalence of chest infections, poor living conditions, and general lack of care. Due to their living conditions, they may have limited ability to self-isolate.
In light of this, we urgently need more volunteers and donations to combat the coronavirus threat. This includes:
- Volunteers to keep distributions going at this critical time – please email [email protected]
- Financial donations to buy urgently needed supplies – click here to donate.
- Donations of hand gel, warm clothing, sleeping bags and tents, soap, and water containers. You can drop any donations off at any designated drop-off point near you. Click here to find out where our drop-off points are located.
School and university groups have had to cancel trips, so we are low on volunteers. We need individuals and experienced volunteers over the next 4-8 weeks. The refugees are as scared as everyone else, and we need to keep people as warm, dry and strong as possible, and to provide information and solidarity to them in this time of need. For more information on volunteering and coronavirus, please click here to visit our dedicated COVID-19 page.
We are handing out information leaflets explaining what precautions to take in Arabic, Farsi, French, and English. We are also distributing multivitamins and soap at all locations, together with items to keep people as warm and dry as possible, such as coats, jumpers, blankets, sleeping bags, etc. We normally buy our aid in bulk in the U.K. and bring it to Calais, but this is becoming increasingly difficult. Purchasing in French supermarkets is more expensive but as an emergency measure may be necessary. If you can donate to support this crucial work, please do so by visiting our Donations page.