Humanitarian Crisis Concern in West Devon
The heart-rending image of the small, dead refugee boy being carried from a Greek beach shocked the world into the realisation that a massive humanitarian crisis was taking place.
Many people have responded to this tragedy by donating time and resources to help those fleeing from war and persecution. Some of these people live on the Bere Peninsula.
‘Humanitarian Crisis Concern’ is a group of concerned individuals who wanted to contribute. Initially, they donated surplus funds from their stall in their community shop to local aid workers in direct contact with families stranded in the Calais camp.
When a larger group was formed to make a more serious response, they then contacted Doctors of the World, a charity that is part of the global ‘Medecins du Monde’. This organisation operates in more than 70 countries supporting the life-saving efforts of over 300 programmes, providing vital health care to vulnerable populations in crisis. Mobile medics volunteer to deliver essential medical help to refugees and migrants in and around Calais, mainland Europe, The Balkans, Greece, Macedonia, the Middle East and the UK.
Mindful of the plight of refugees struggling to survive a harsh winter in The Balkans, with little in the way of food, water, clothing or sanitation, Humanitarian Crisis Concern decided to raise funds for Doctors of the World to assist in their work in mainland Europe. The group’s initial target is £1,820 to pay for a medical marquee. Since the end of October, the group has worked towards this end by enlisting the aid of various generous people. Here are some of the group’s fund raising activities:
- Charity lunches in the Church Hall
- The sale of greetings cards designed by local artists in Community Shops and the Victorian Evening in Bere Alston; two local printers gave a generous discount for the production of the cards
- Contributions from St Andrew’s Church Nativities
- Carol singing around the village of Bere Ferrers
- The W.I Group carol service; W.I membership from four locations contributed
- A talk on the rivers of the Bere Peninsula given by a local personality
- A concert to be given by ‘Gypsy Train’ in St Andrew’s Church 8pm 4th March 2016
They have spread the word to other community shops and the local press and will continue their efforts at least until the target is reached to help Doctors of the World continue their unstinting work. N.B. As at 18th December 2015 over £1500 raised.
If you would like to get involved with the group’s fund raising efforts or make a donation, please contact:
- Ann Jeffries on 01822 840065 (sallyannjeffries@hotmail.com)
Jane Musgrave on 01822 841064 (musgravejane@hotmail.com)
- Tickets for ‘Gypsy train’ from Carol Horner 01822 840913