We are SOS Chai, a small organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and other displaced people in Caen, France. We rely on donations and volunteers in order to assist young men who have, very often, endured trauma and persecution and continue to live in bleak conditions. Every Monday and Wednesday, we support around 40- 80 young men by providing French classes and distributing hot meals and practical items (i.e toiletries and shoes). We also build friendship and community by listening to their stories and playing games together.

As winter looms, the next few months pose particularly tough challenges for these guys and many are fearful about the impact of the dropping temperatures, asking:

How will I stay warm and healthy in a tent?

How will I replace my leaking shoes so my feet don’t freeze? How will I fight off viruses and bugs?

While many of us enjoy warmth, festivities and comfort indoors, lots of these young men will spend all winter sleeping outside and will have to survive tough and dangerous conditions.

So, we’re asking for your help! This autumn/winter, as well as continuing our weekly classes and food distribution, we would love to be able to provide 100+ refugees with a ‘Cold Kit’ and other essential items to help them through the colder months.

A complete Cold Kit for one person costs 25€, and includes:

• 1x Rucksack 7€

• 1x Fleece/Joggers 10€

• 1x Hat 2€

• 1x Gloves 3€

• 1x Socks 1€

• 1x Boxers 2€

Many of the refugees we meet also do not have items such as shoes, coats or sleeping

bags, so we are also raising money to provide Street Kits to those who need it. The Street Kit costs 75€ for one person and includes:

• 1x complete Cold Kit 25€

• 1x Sleeping bag 15€

• 1x Winter coat 20€

• 1x Shoes 15€

Whatever you can give will be put towards purchasing these items for the refugees. By partnering with SOS Chai, you will be directly supporting the lives of these refugees living in Caen. As well as helping them to stay warm and dry, these kits communicate that we care. Please help us provide for the 100+ guys that we are in contact with, and know that every euro donated makes a real difference to someone.

Thank you,

The SOS Chai team