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Refugee crisis: seven ways Londoners can help

Written by
Kate Lloyd
Contributing writer
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If you've been keeping up with the news about the refugee crisis, you'll know that hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees are flooding into Europe – and that more than 50 percent of them are children. Want to do something to help? There are a number of London-based projects you can volunteer for, donate to and support.

1. Donate or volunteer for CalAid on September 6 or 20

CalAid is accepting donations at a sorting centre on Kingsland Road on September 6. They really need shoes, tents, jackets, travelling bags, socks, candles and belts. They're also looking for volunteers to help sort, pack or transport the aid to Calais. There's also a second event on September 20 and a third on October 4. Find out more

2. Attend a demonstration on September 12

A demonstration is being held in central London on September 12 to show solidarity with refugees before Theresa May meets EU member states for emergency talks. A combination of a few demonstrations – including 'Solidarity with Refugees' and 'Refugees Welcome Here' – the march will start at Marble Arch at noon before rallying at Downing Street at 2pm. More than 27,000 people are expected to attend. Find out more

3. Donate to the Coach and Horses meal fund 

Soho pub the Coach and Horses is raising money to give Calais refugees 'a decent meal because British values are about respect, dignity, kindness'. They've so far raised £6,822. Donate here

4. Help out with Calais Action

Calais Action is running supplies to Calais in mid-September. They're looking for transportation, storage space and volunteers. They have a Brixton/South London Collection Point you can find out more about here

5. Donate to the London2Calais: October Refugee Solidarity Convoy

The convoy hopes to take 16 cars filled with 600 packages to Calais on October 3. So far, nearly 200 people have donated just under £5,000 which will pay for clothes, sanitary equipment, food and medicine. Donate here

6. Head to Finchley

North Londoners can drop off supplies at a storage facility in Finchley for trips to Calais scheduled for September 6, 12 and 19. Find out more. This project appears to run in conjunction with Dawn Porter's fundraising efforts which will pay for storage space in Calais as well as supplies there. Nearly £15,000 has been raised so far. Donate here

7. Join in with Knit for Calais

Head to an evening of hat knitting for the refugees on September 25. You'll need super chunky dark-coloured yarn and size 11 needles. Find out more.

You can also donate via a number of NGOs, including Save The Children, Refugee Action and World Vision.

Sign the Independent's petition demanding Britain takes its fair share of refugees here

 

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