September 7, 2015 4.55 pm This story is over 102 months old

‘Amazing’ response to Lincoln collection appeal for refugees

Helping hands: People in Lincoln banded together in support of those caught up in the refugee crisis.

People in Lincoln donated 10 vans worth of donations.

People in Lincoln turned out with enough clothes and essentials for those caught in the refugee crisis at the weekend to fill 10 vans.

A special collection point, set up by Lincoln businesswoman Emily Kent, was met with even more support than she anticipated on September 5.

With the help of volunteers and the Horse and Groom pub on the Brayford waterfront, Emily collected items including tents, bags, candles, clothes and tinned food.

Hundreds of people turned out to make donations.

Hundreds of people turned out to make donations.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Calais Action group and, since Saturday, other relief organisations in Nottingham have been helping transport the collection.

The event was made possible with volunteers and businesses.

The event was made possible with volunteers and businesses.

Just some of the collection from Lincoln.

Just some of the collection from Lincoln.

Emily said: “It was amazing to see so much support, I was really surprised. We had people volunteering, and distribution companies helping out. I want to say a massive thank you also to the Horse and Groom pub team who helped out.

“The donations will be invaluable to the people caught in the crisis. Going forward we are not only now looking at helping those camping in Calais, but also those who are arriving in the UK.

“The aid when they arrive here doesn’t have to come from tax payers.

“We had so much positive feedback and it was really great to be able to give people a platform to donate. We are not interested at all in the negative comments.

“The main hub is in London, so over the next week or so Nottingham and ourselves are pooling resources together to get it down to Calais.

“Generally as a small group of volunteers we sprung into action because of the dire conditions in Calais and wanted to provide support.

“This situation is constantly changing and we would certainly like to see the supplies help people through Europe as well, wherever it is needed, wherever we can reach.

“More collections are inevitable but no date as yet, I will keep the Facebook page updated.”