en) solfed.org: Swindon solidarity with Calais
On the 24th of October, members of Swindon Anarchists, including SolFed members, took 3
vehicles crammed with supplies to the refugee camps of Calais. ---- As numbers at the camp
swelled to over 6,000, the group decided we had a responsibility to offer what solidarity
we could to men, women and children forced into cramped, cold and unhygienic conditions
just for seeking a life free of war, persecution, poverty and hunger. As well as hoping to
improve material conditions in the camp, we reject the concept of national borders,
embrace freedom of movement for all and support all those whose circumstances have forced
them into conflict with the border regime, the political class and their stooges in
uniform. ---- From the start of our campaign, we worked closely with Swindon People's
Assembly, who offered us invaluable support in raising funds and donations as well as
organising a strong and well attended demonstration in Swindon town centre in support of
refugees and migrants.
We would also like to offer massive thanks to Swindon Pulse, who promoted our campaign,
donated much needed supplies and acted as a drop off point for donations. We were also
offered useful advice and practical support from Swindon-Calais Solidarity, who have been
doing invaluable work in Calais for months.
Over the course of 2 months, we raised £1000 and piles of really decent donations,
including warm clothes, tents, sleeping bags, scarves, thermal socks and gloves. The
campaign started with a demo and awareness raising event in town, at which People's
Assembly and its supporters leafleted and collected funds and donations. This was so
successful that over £300 was raised in a couple of hours, and the influx of donations was
so great that a local farm had to step in to store them!
From then, until our visit to Calais, we were inundated with financial and material
donations, as well as much appreciated work buying supplies and generally helping out from
comrades in Swindon Anarchists and others.
Our day started dropping off larger supplies at a brilliantly organised warehouse, staffed
by a dedicated team of very on-it volunteers. After that quick stop, we drove a short
distance to head into the camp.
When we reached the camp, we found many of the residents without adequate access to food,
warm clothing or shelter, as well as large numbers of French riot cops keeping a high
profile and intimidating presence. While mainstream propaganda would have us believe that
camp inhabitants are almost entirely young and male, we were shocked and saddened by the
large number of young children we encountered. The supplies we brought with us were well
received, and we ended up being invited to a Sudanese section of the camp for tea. A high
point of the day came when we gave an Iraqi man, captain of the camps Iraqi team, a
football. After a quick chat, it turned out he knew Yasser Kasim, a Swindon and Iraq
player. We were surprised to know he is seen as the star of the Iraqi team, while the
refugee we spoke to found it hard to believe that he's been sh*t in a Swindon shirt
lately! During our stay, our Sudanese hosts and others of a range of nationalities stopped
for a chat. Many were eager to know what the British government were doing to help. It has
never been more difficult to say 'f*ck all', but that answer was expected by the majority,
and we found a widespread and unsurprising hatred of Cameron amongst the people we spoke
to. While we were unable to deliver any good news about the government, camp inhabitants
were pleased to hear stories of the numerous solidarity marches and actions that have been
happening across the UK. We also found a massive level of determination, with some
refugees reporting up to 3 attempts per night to breach the security fences and enter the UK.
We left the camp feeling that our visit had been worthwhile, and have already made plans
for a return trip, during which we will be able to distribute supplies that the refugees
themselves have told us were most needed.
To help fund the trip, and show your solidarity with the Calais refugees, please donate at
gogetfunding.com/Swindon-chippenham-aid-to-calais
To get involved, drop us an email at Swindon.anarchists@yahoo.co.uk
For a world without borders!
http://www.solfed.org.uk/bristol/swindon-solidarity-with-calais
