Local filmmaker helping refugees in Calais

John Farrington (centre) at the refugee camp in Calais

Local filmmaker, John Farrington and his son Gabriel visited the refugee camp in Calais to distribute funds and essential supplies. All supplies and money was raised in Rochdale.

John said: "We're raising money to build a temporary shelter that will be utilised as a clinic over the winter period in 'the jungle' - the Calais refugee camp. The numbers of refugees have doubled since our last visit two months ago, from 3,000 to 6,000, and as winter approaches the 'living' conditions are deteriorating.

"Since our last visit we have been asked to provide building materials to provide a shelter. Our contact at the camp (see photo on link) has drawn up a list of the exact materials they need, and we will use the funds to purchase all that they require, and then take it down to Calais in November."

The clinic will be situated in the camp, and will be made available and accessible for all medical professionals who work there, to help the increasing number of ill refugees.

Johh added: "We hope this will go so far as to prevent any serious sickness outbreaks over the winter period.

"During this two week campaign we will be sourcing and collecting winter supplies such as camping stoves, fuel, firewood, tents and mats from the Greater Manchester area to take down to Calais. This will supplement the clinic build."

The basic build cost is £700, and an additional £300 is needed for other specific supplies such as insulation, fuel and transport.

John said: "We are working towards this as a matter of urgency, and all rewards in return will be purely altruistic.

"We will take a video diary that we will upload as soon as we return, and take photos and videos of the building process, but every penny, every dime, every cent, every krone, every euro will be put towards the project.

"Please help." 

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/user/blowcandy/dashboard/calais-refugee-camp-clinic-build