Our amazing Bank Holiday volunteers

Right now things are really busy in Northern France. In Dunkirk more people have been asking us for food. There have been police evictions and so many people are in need of replacement tents and bedding. The shadow of the Rwanda scheme hangs over everyone, and we’re working hard to hand out information leaflets.

And there are our usual daily distributions to do too. So far this week we’ve given out 83 tents, 279 summer jackets, 116 power banks, 55 phone cables, and 128 hygiene packs. Power banks are in big demand because the charging facilities at some sites have been cut back. Phones are a lifeline to the outside world for refugees, so being able to charge is vital.

As there’s a big Bank Holiday weekend, you might think that we would be short of volunteers as people would be going on holiday, but actually the opposite is true. Lots of supporters have decide to use that time to come and help, and they’ve been arriving this week.

Already their hard work and dedication have meant that we have been able to do an extra litter pick at Dunkirk with our friends from @roots Refugees have to live in such difficult conditions, so anything that can be done to make their environment a bit more pleasant makes a difference.

At a time when the government in pushing ahead with its brutal Rwanda scheme, and suggesting that it’s what the public want, it’s incredibly heartening to see ordinary, compassionate people giving up their time to help others like this.

We’re still in great need of donations to keep our distributions going – the authorities’ ban on giving out food here continues to hamper supplies, and our food packs are in high demand. Other items in particular need are power banks and shoes.

Thank you to everyone who has given up their time and holidays to come to Calais and help us to help refugees here. You’re the reason that we can support refugees so well as we do, and you make the world of difference to people need our help. In these difficult times, that’s more important than ever.

To volunteer oE donate go to Care4Calais.org