Au revoir Calais

My short stay in Calais is almost done. Another back-breaking day helping to clear up the yard ready for a big delivery. It's been enlightening but far too brief to understand everything but here's a few salient points.

The Jungle DOES still exist in Calais - our press may have given the impression that it has gone but it hasn't (the officials moved it out of sight though). It's currently home to over 5,000 refugees with c50 more arriving every day.

There are steel fences and patrols of policeman in riot-gear everywhere. Yesterday saw the use of tear gas in the camp which disrupted aid-distribution and caused stress for residents. 
At the last census c120 children had gone missing, presumed to traffickers who are rife. The only refugees I met were charming and friendly with stories of escape from fighting, Taliban and dictators. Many are highly educated and well-qualified - doctors, teachers etc. Some have almost no English. 

The big aid organisations are not here - The Jungle is not recognised as an official refugee camp. But what is being done by volunteers is extraordinary. And donations arrive constantly from all over Europe. The task of sorting is immense, and inappropriate or badly-labelled donations are a positive hindrance.

The amazing kitchen staffed entirely by volunteers (like everything) provided 4,000 hot meals a day."Welcome/survival packs " are handed out on arrival and weekly bags of basics are distributed constantly. The clothes are also in constant need. 

The top priority is safety, food and dignity for residents who have nothing and no one left. Thanks to all who supported me on social media and with donations - it honestly made a massive difference. 

And you'll be hearing more about it from me I'm sure.

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