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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 3 September 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Witney couple, Hannah and Andy Bailey returned this week from a two-day trip to the refugee camp at Calais where they delivered supplies and camping equipment donated by Oxfordshire friends and family.
The camp is currently home to 3,000 asylum seekers who have travelled from places such as Syria, Eritrea and Afghanistan, fleeing war, violence and persecution. Voluntary agencies like Salaam and Secours Catholique have been overwhelmed by the generosity of donations from Britons such as the Baileys, but with a warehouse stacked high with women and children's clothing, they're now issuing a cry for help.
Andy and Hannah say the need is for more appropriate gifts such as tents, tarpaulins, sleeping bags and roll mats - and a more systematic means of delivery.
Up to now small groups have been making individual visits, but now the need is for a more co-ordinated approach. "They're amazing people, doing an amazing work," says Andy, "but the volunteers in Calais are exhausted.
We need a few key drop-off centres in the UK where some of the sorting can be done and the transporting can be organised on a more regular basis. " Just before they left for Calais, the Baileys set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for supplies.
They've already raised almost a £1000 in 5 days.
"We're humbled by people's response. " he says, "We only set up our Facebook page 10 days ago. "
'Full of hope'
The visit has clearly had a marked effect on them both.
"It's not a place you'd like to live," says Hannah recalling the sight of run-down tents, makeshift huts and a sea of mud.
"It's just a bit of waste land by the side of a motorway with only 3 water taps and 12 portaloos. " But they received a warm welcome from a group of ten youths aged between 12 and 27 who've fled violence in Afghanistan.
They also saw the 'Jungle church' featured on a recent episode of the BBC Songs of Praise.
And they met asylum seekers who've set up small businesses and cafes at the camp.
"Most people we met are desperate to work and are insulted by the thought that they might need to claim benefits.
It's actually not what we thought it would be like - it's buzzing with humanity - and full of hope. "Andy and Hannah will be talking more about their visit to Calais at a meeting at The Fleece, Witney on Monday, 7 September at 7. 30pm when they'll be sharing how people can get involved.
For more information go to their Facebook page: http://www. facebook. com/cryingoutforcalais For photos and more information, contact: Andy and Hannah Bailey Crying out for Calais .