Refugee campaign appeals for men’s clothing

Newly-formed group Shetland Solidarity with Refugees is appealing for donations with a view to taking items to Calais to support the refugees there.

The group has already made progress in its aims, and has acquired storage space in Lerwick where supplies can be processed and sorted prior to shipment.

Negotiations with shipping companies are taking place to enable the items to be taken to Calais, and a crowdfunding page will shortly be set up to cover shipping costs. More information will be released when available.

Items for the refugees have already been pouring in, and Wendy Sinclair, one of the organisers, said: “People’s generosity has been amazing. We never expected the amount of stuff we have got.”

More items are needed, however, especially for men. These include men’s trainers and hiking shoes, jackets and waterproofs, shirts and T-shirts and woolly hats. Sleeping bags and mattresses are needed, and yoga mats would be welcome.

Women’s and children’s clothing is not needed, neither are sheets, pillows, jumpers or suits.

Tinned food can be donated, and there is a full list on the group’s Facebook page.

There are collection sites in Burra, Bixter, Fair Isle, Cullivoe, Burravoe and Mid Yell Schools in Yell, the Unst partnership office at Hagdale, Tagon Stores in Voe, Hillswick Shop, Hillswick Surgery and Dunrossness Primary School, and in Lerwick at the Ninian shop, Nimble Fingers in the Toll Clock Centre and, from Saturday, at the Bop Shop. Muckle Roe Hall will take donations from next week.

A silent vigil in support of the refugees will be held at Lerwick’s Market Cross at noon on Saturday.

If you can offer help, contact Wendy on 07544265753 or on Facebook.