The Power of Pants

One of my grandmothers, Gloria, used to always say 'people ought to treat themselves to nice underwear more often.' This started a tradition by which she would buy nice underwear for family and friends no matter how well she knew them. And she's right, there's nothing quite like the new underwear feeling - it makes you feel a little more on top of things, and let's be honest - a little bit sexy.

However, it is something we hugely take for granted. Despite the eviction of Calais last year, and the disappointing lack of news coverage, there are still over 1,500 people (at least 200 of them unaccompanied children) living in the forests of Northern France, with teams working tirelessly to provide clean clothes, food and shelter all year round. This number is set to rise over autumn.

And they are running out of pants.

The leading NGO for Calais refugees, Help Refugees have put out multiple pleas in the last few months for more underwear, particularly mens underwear. This is just one of the many failures to fulfil basic obligations by the French and UK governments as well as the EU, so sadly it is up to those of us who refuse to turn a blind eye to help out. 

For my birthday this year, I want to provide as many pairs of pants as possible. (A good 'p' warm up for any thespians out there!) As someone who is quite disorganised, I know the feeling of waking up and knowing full well I don't have any clean underwear. However, the thought of that being the daily norm and having to spend days and even weeks in the same pair of pants is abhorrent. 

£1 can give someone their back their daily dignity and make them feel a little more human again. £5 will buy someone a box of fresh new pants. Never underestimate the power of pants! If she was still around, I'm sure Gloria would agree. 

So friends and family, if you were thinking of getting me a card or present this year - please don't bother, I'm happy as a Larry with what I have, but please do consider donating to my birthday cause. As I said, every £1 is one pair of pants for someone in need.

Oh and as a thank you - I'm going to be taking lots of ridiculous photos of me with pants on my head.

Thank you, and warm wishes,

Emma

 Renke Meuwese, long-term Help Refugees volunteer in Calais