Four transit vans of donations from Islanders left the Isle of Wight on Sunday heading to the CalAid depot in London.
Spearheaded by Abigail Fox from Ryde, the Collection for Calais appeal, launched at the beginning of September, sought to gather much-needed supplies, clothing and camping gear for refugees held up in Calais.
Getting involved
OnTheWight were pleased to have played their part in the appeal by helping to secure free ferry travel for the vehicles taking the donations to the ‘CalAid depot in London (well done to Red Funnel for stepping up to the plate without hesitation).
We were also able to help out by setting up a handy map of the drop-off points around the Island, allowing residents easily see where they could take their donations to.
As well as raising awareness of the appeal to our large readership on the site and across social media, we also set up a form to gather interest from anyone able to help out – of which there were many. Volunteers with logistical experience, the offer of being a drop-off point, or just a desire to help those in need came forward. Well done to you all.
Smooth operation
Abigail told OnTheWight,
“Thanks once again for everyone’s support, time and donations. The drop off at the CalAid warehouse went really smoothly.
“It was great to see and assist with donations coming in from all over the country and to be a part of a much larger movement whose mission is to support others in need.”
The donations taken to London are now being sorted by another merry band of volunteers and will be winging their way to Calais in no time at all.
Well done to everyone who played a part in the appeal.
