On arrival in Calais I was shocked at what I saw

On arrival in Calais I was shocked at what I saw. Just getting off the train there was oppressive fencing and armed security. I’d headed to Calais to volunteer after speaking about it with friends who had done something similar.

Throughout my eight days volunteering, I met many wonderful and interesting people who had a big impact on me. One in particular was a six year old boy from Iraq. He and his older brother had been around Dunkirk for 2 years. Despite the horrors that both had witnessed and the conditions that they were forced to endure, he had such a positive and cheeky outlook.

This young boy was forced out of his childhood and into 2 years of being made to feel as if he doesn’t belong anywhere. A hot chocolate and a smile was all I could give to this brave young kid but I hope that one day he can settle in a safe and supportive place. It is so unfair that his childhood has been stolen from him and so amazing that his hope and positivity is still evident. – volunteer Josh Da Silva

The single best thing you can do in 2020 to support refugees, is to set up a recurring donation.  Recurring donations allow us to respond immediately to crisis and emergencies without the need to fundraise first.

Whatever you can afford, the smallest amount makes such a difference to what we can do. Donate today!