Superstar companies donate thousands of hand sanitisers to Calais

We have the most amazing news!

Last week we posted a heartrending story: an Iranian refugee asked one of our team in Calais if we could distribute hand sanitiser. “We need it,” he said. “There is sickness and we can’t wash our hands.”

All she could do was hand over the one bottle she had for her personal use. The refugees don’t have access to running water to wash their hands, but with prices so high we can’t afford to buy sufficient quantities to distribute – it’s heartbreaking.

Since then something wonderful has happened. THREE separate companies saw our post and have donated!! We are so, so happy! We did our first distribution today – and we are going to have enough for every single refugee in Calais and Dunkirk. It really feels like a miracle.

The House of Botanicals, a gin distillery in Aberdeen, switched to producing hand sanitiser during the Covid crisis. To top this off they only sell to companies who agree to match their purchase with a donation to charity. Our donation has been covered by an oil company in Aberdeen.

Founder Adam Elan-Elmegirab said: “A representative from Care4Calais explained they were in desperate need of hand sanitiser for 1,200 people living in camps in Calais that have been displaced from their homes due to war and oppression.

“We have agreed to ship fifty cases of our sanitiser to them next week so they can then distribute the bottles to those people in the camps.

“A big shout out to Care4Calais for the amazing work they’re doing. It’s incredible.”

International Water Solutions in Romford has scaled up production of hand sanitiser since the beginning of the outbreak, and they want to give back during this crisis. They are sending 1,500 bottles next week and, after talking to us, also want to send a donation of food.

L’Oréal Paris saw us interviewed on French TV last week and got in touch. They have sent us a whopping 3,000 bottles! Totally awesome.

Each of these stories illustrates the amazing good work that is happening during this crisis and the number of people who are quietly doing their bit to help society. Fighting this battle, in Calais, it means everything to know that there are people out there who are behind us. Massive thanks to these three fabulous companies from the bottom of our hearts. Your gift will literally save lives.

To volunteer or donate go to care4calais.org