Refugee solidarity

Unite is backing delegations by Stand Up To Racism the first of which will travel to Calais on Saturday (5 September).

The group is calling for “concrete solidarity” with migrants and refugees living in “appalling conditions.”

Working with Calais are L’Auberge des Migrants and Secours Catholique organisers are asking for collections in workplaces, communities and union branches.

People can donate money, food or practical things such as clothing, sanitary products, bedding or children’s toys and so on.

The action is being taken over what Stand Up To Racism has condemned as the “appalling racist response by the government and right-wing press to the humanitarian crisis in Calais.”

There is a specific request for the following items:

– Men’s shoes – sizes 6 to 11 (trainers or walking)
– Men’s clothes – sweatshirts, jackets, trousers, socks (think camping!)
– Sleeping bags and tents

– Candles or camping lights.

– Backpacks

– Bikes
– They do not need clothes for women or children, except shoes (trainers) sizes 4-6.
– Basic food products – flour, cooking-oil, sugar, tea, coffee, dried veg (pulses), canned tuna and tomatoes, long life milk.

Please label collections in boxes to make it easier e.g. ‘box of trainers sizes 6-11.

The delegation will depart on the 10.50am Le Shuttle service from Folkestone, Kent after meeting in the Cheriton High Street Tesco Cark Park (CT19 4QJ) at 9.30am.

If you are taking a car please purchase a ticket on the 10.50am service ASAP to make sure we can all travel at the same time and please email to confirm attendance – info@standuptoracism.org.uk

Also, if you cannot attend but wish to make a donation we can arrange for someone to collect it. Alternatively, there is a collection point in Hackney at Cafe Z bar, 58 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7PB between 5.30pm-6.30pm 2nd to 4th September ONLY!

You can also make cash donations via the donate page below

[Donate here]:

It’s possible to add your name to the statement criticising Cameron and Hammond’s comments [here]

The group’s second solidarity delegation to Calais is scheduled for Saturday 17 October.