Europe is facing the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War, with thousands of people putting their lives at risk to flee their homelands.
While David Cameron has said the problem won’t be solved ‘simply by taking more and more refugees’, many people on social media are rallying together and showing their support via the #RefugeesWelcome hashtag.
Latest statistics from the United Nations’ refugee agency shows that more than 2,500 people have lost their lives while crossing the Mediterranean Sea this year. Others have died stowed away in cramped unsafe vans and other perilous modes of transport.
If you’re ready and willing to do some good, here are a number of things YOU can do to help those affected by the refugee crisis.
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Give.
Many charities are desperate for donations.
Migrant Offshore Aid Station are dedicated to preventing migrant deaths at sea.
Refugee Action provide advice and legal support for asylum seekers.
Doctors of the World are providing essential medical attention to migrants living in appalling conditions in and around Calais.
Women’s Refugee Commission works to empower women and their children during humanitarian crisis.
Save The Children are distributing much-needed items for children and babies such as nappies, food and first aid kits.
If you’re time rich but cash poor, time can be just as valuable as money.
Many people have set up crowdfunding sites, such as this one for the refugee spotting selling biros.
If you’re both time cash and time poor, you can still be of assistance.
Refugees Welcome, which has been labelled ‘Airbnb for refugees’, allows users to open their homes to those in need of a roof over their head.
Clothes, blankets, shoes and various other items are needed for many people who’ve landed in Calais and Kos.
Calais People to People Solidarity have organised drop off/pick up points across the entire country, find your nearest one here.
Kindness for Kos is the same sort of operation in Greece, they’re also collecting (non-perishable) food, tents, clothing and blankets.
Calais Migrant Solidarity are collecting tools for fixing things (such as makeshift accommodation), phones, cameras and chargers.
Sign.
There are a number of petitions doing the rounds, this one hopes to force the Government into accepting more refugees into Britain. It’s already topped 125,000.
This petition is campaigning for British people to be able to foster unaccompanied children ‘currently languishing in European refugee camps’.
It’s dedicated to the memory of Sir Nicholas Winton, who saved the lives of 669 children on the eve of WWII, earning him the nickname ‘British Schindler’.
Share.
Social media activists are often given a bad rap, but it’s a vital tool in letting others know about the cause.
Share this article so other people know how to help.
Update your status about the organisation you’ve decided to support.
Let online friends know you’ve signed a petition.
And share images of the things you’re donating to those in need.
It’s a lot more important than a picture of your dinner or that selfie. No matter how fly your hair looks.
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