On the 17th of November I'll be setting off to Calais to join the Help Refugees charity for a week. Help me take as many basic supplies with me! Winter coats, blankets, socks and boots are all urgently needed.

Why I'm going

It was after listening to This American Life - Are We There Yet podcast that the absurdity and desperation of the refugee situation really hit home with me. I'm still haunted by their descriptions of people being stuck for years in Greek Refugee camps, unable to leave, unable to work, go to school, do anything. They sit in limbo calling a single Skype number by the thousands, maned by only one or two officials to make an appointment for their asylum interview. Never getting anyone to pick up. Having nightmares about the Skype ring tone. Living in desperate conditions.

My frustration grew and I fell into a state of depression and worthlessness. I looked at the work at was doing, and the things that drove me in life and it all seemed small and insignificant compared to these people's struggles. I was tempted to get on the next flight to Greece by myself, but not speaking any Greek, Urdu, Farsi or Arabic, and without any special skills I felt useless and worried I'd more of a burden than help.

After many months of indecision, I settled on Calais as the best place for me to start my refugee volunteering journey. I speak French, it's easy to get to without a car and it will give me the experience and skills to hopefully go to Greece next year. Most importantly aid is just as needed in Calais, as it is in Greece.

The situation in Calais

Though the Calais ‘Jungle’ was demolished in October 2016 and the Dunkirk camp burnt down in April 2017, there are still 500-600 refugees sleeping rough in and around Calais, as well as 200 in Grande Synthe. Of the refugees who are still in Calais, at least 200 are unaccompanied children.

The Help Refugees team still distributes thousands of items every week, from blankets and sleeping bags, to hundreds of hygiene kits, clothing and countless shoes. While it is impossible for people to settle, and refugees are facing increasing aggression from the police, their services continue to be a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people in Europe.

The plan

The plan, and I love a good plan, is to take with me as many supplies as possible in three big suitcases by train. With your help I'll be buying blankets, winter coats and shoes in bulk at the smallest prices possible. I will then help sort all donations in the Help Refugees warehouse and distribute them directly to the Refugees on the ground.

If we beat our target and there's more supplies than can fit in the suitcases these will be dropped off at one of Help Refugee's donation drop off points. Any spare money will be given directly to Help Refugees.

Together let's make a difference in this dire situation. Let's show our love, our support and our determination to make things better.

Donate generously and I'll personally make sure every penny is spent in the most efficient way and reaches the hands of those most in need.

Winter is indeed coming. Let's warm refugees up!

Choose love ♥