Appeal goes out for food and winter clothes for refugees

A volunteer team based in Hook Norton has put out a third appeal - this time for supplies to help refugees fleeing war-torn Syria.
Sammi Newman and Vanessa Porter NNL-161201-130454001Sammi Newman and Vanessa Porter NNL-161201-130454001
Sammi Newman and Vanessa Porter NNL-161201-130454001

Sammi Newman and Vanessa Porter will be running a collection point for food and winter supplies to be shipped out to Lesbos, the Greek island taking in thousands of refugees every week.

“We need winter clothing, foodstuffs, blankets and some basic tools to help these people survive,” said Mrs Newman who launched Calaid OX15 with Mrs Porter last year, initially to help refugees stranded in makeshift camps at Calais.

“With winter setting in this is very urgent,” she said.

As the flood of refugees from Syria into Europe has increased, help is desperately needed on the Greek islands where inflatable boats arrive day and night.

“We are collecting winter clothing for men, women and children. That could be jackets, jumpers and coats as well as appropriate footwear, new, warm sock and hats and gloves,” said Mrs Newman.

“Blankets and sleeping bags are also needed. We’re also appealing for non perishable food such as tins of chick peas, baked beans, vegetable soup as well as nutritious things like protein bars and healthy snacks.

“Cooking oil is also on the list of essentials so we’d welcome containers of that. Hammers and staple guns are also needed,” she said.

“Donated goods will be shipped to Lesbos in response to a urgent appeal. We of course are still in need of caravans for Calais.”

The collection takes place on Saturday at Hook Norton Memorial Hall, Chapel Street, Hook Norton OX15 5LE from 11am-4pm.

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