You'll remember this trip for the rest of your life

My name is Lucy. I am 18, an aspiring politics student, and the daughter of an immigrant.

I spent a month volunteering with Care4Calais, and what an amazing time it has been. I have met incredible, inspiring people, both in the warehouse and in tents; the mum of two who gave up her job and left her family to travel around Europe, volunteering where she’s needed most; the older man who is always looking for a way to help us out on distribution, litter picking and carrying heavy items; the naughty little girl who tried to steal the glasses off my face but who grinned for an hour straight when I let her brush and “wash” my hair (ie tip water on my head).

While with Care4Calais, I have been stressed, scared and tired. But I have also seen the best of humanity – the donors, the volunteers and the refugees who refuse to give up, and who joke with me about the amount of sugar in their tea and their attempts to come twice in the line (I will remember you!).

As I was saying goodbye to my family, my dad unexpectedly said “you’ll remember this trip for the rest of your life”. I dismissed it as a bit random. But he’s right. I’m so thankful for my time at Care4Calais, and I’ll definitely be back!

To volunteer click here
To donate click here