Volunteers at the Riverside Market support the forgotten refugees by collecting donations for the community kitchen in Calais.
The stall at the Riverside Market spreading awareness and selling products for donations.
Refugees forced out of the jungle refugee camp in Calais, France is supported by the volunteers at the Riverside Market in Cardiff.
Christine Nelms along with her friend Pat has been associated with the Community kitchen for the last two years. They run a stall at the Riverside Market with the help of the market organizers for raising funds and spreading awareness among people on the issues faced by the refugees in Calais.
“Every penny that we collect goes to buy food for refugees in Northern France in Calais,” she says.
Christine Nelms who runs the stall in the Riverside Market in Cardiff.
It all started two years ago when Mr. Ben from the Riverside Market went to volunteer at Calais as a chef. Since that day, many people from the market have gone and supported the cause. In the initial days, a van packed with food was sent to France every week. This was later stopped due to the increased expenses.
They strive to make a difference in the lives of the refugees. Their activities have encouraged local public to be a part of the cause.“Some people after seeing us take a vehicle and go which is very nice. The need is just the same and is vital,” she says.
The French government tried to close down the community kitchen but was overturned by the judges who acknowledged it as a humanitarian cause. But the authorities have succeeded in making their lives miserable.
The CRS policemen used tear gas and pepper sprays against them. Their tents were destroyed and bedding were stolen, leaving them helpless. Organizations such as Red Cross and Oxfam have not been involved in the issue as the camps are not supported by the governments.
Christine along with many others continue to work towards the betterment of the refugees in Calais in-spite of unfavorable circumstances. They believe that the money spent on fences and CRS should be diverted to people and for humanitarian causes.
“Compassion is the only way. Why not let them follow their dreams, they just want a better life just like you and me.”