MONMOUTH-based action group INEED has called for donations to aid the refugees living in makeshift camps in Calais.

The group, who will be collecting, sorting and delivering much-needed resources to the refugees, are asking for donations of warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear, toiletries, camping equipment, food supplies, cleaning supplies, sim cards, books and other essentials.

There is a call for any local businesses that can provide temporary storage facilities for the donated items. A fundraising campaign to cover the cost of the trips to Calais has been launched, and financial donations can be submitted via the link at the end of the article.

The first trip will take place next Wednesday (16th September) as INEED will deliver the collected supplies to those most in need, and get volunteers on the ground to help improve the situation.

Support has been generous, as over a few days they are £400 short of their £1,000 target. There are also plans to work in conjunction with future Calais Action convoys leaving from Newport.

Natasha Cadman, creator of INEED at pictured above, said: “Basic human rights are our shared responsibility. There are currently over 3,000 displaced people camped in makeshift shelters in Calais, surviving in appalling conditions, and the situation is only going to get worse as winter approaches.

“We urgently seek donations to help improve the living conditions in the camp, and to provide the basics such as food, shelter and hygiene. Support has been overwhelming so far, ahead of our first trip to the most affected camps on the 16th September. We have lots of plans for developing and continuing support for the refugees, and all donations are welcome.”

Drop-off locations and times are as follows:

Monmouth

Bridges Community Centre

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Shire Hall

Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Redbrook

The Bell Inn

Daily: 11am to 2pm, 3pm to 6pm

St Saviour’s Church

Daily: from 3pm

These times will continue until further notice. For more drop-off locations email: [email protected], or visit INEED’s Facebook page:?www.facebook.com/INEED.MONMOUTH.NEWPORT

To donate financially, and for more information, visit the Crowdfunding campaign at www.crowd

funder.co.uk/ineedur

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