FBU members and officials organised monthly humanitarian trips this winter from the North West of England to the refugee camp at Calais in France.
Firefighters from across Cumbria, Lancashire and Manchester got organised into delegations; putting a resolution to support Care4Calais, passed at FBU conference 2023, into action.
Care4Calais is dedicated to providing support and assistance to refugees and migrants in the Calais region, particularly those facing challenging circumstances due to displacement and conflict.
Volunteers collected and delivered vital winter supplies to the refugee camp, including sleeping bags and tents, and spent the week distributing food and supplies and assisting with the running of essential services.
Lancashire member Rob Lewis said: “I would strongly recommend that anyone who can volunteer to go and work with Care4Calais does so. It is one thing seeing the situation on television or online, but it’s very different seeing it for yourself and speaking to people”.
Fellow delegation member Paul Farman emphasised the impact of volunteering. “Visiting the sites throughout the week I bore witness to the incredible spirit and resilience of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. I was struck by the value placed on the services offered by Care4Calais volunteers.”
For support in organising an FBU delegation from your region, contact regional officials.
