Dear friends and family-- Team 39 of Carry the Future is heading to Calais , France next week. And unlike the past, I already know how hard this will be. We've been warned, to be ready. It will be a more difficult situation than I've yet to see. And I already know, thanks to feedback from the ground, what we need. I thought I would ask you all for sleeping bags. But, no. The French police confiscate them. They steal them. They steal their papers , and slash their tents. They draw lines and borders with their force, their weapons, their rhetoric and their egos. Be the change with me, please.
I implore you to donate, please, toward coats for regugees. We need coats for men, sized S and M.
Here is some background on Calais:
CALAIS, France has a population of 126K and is the narrowest point in the English channel. It is the closest point to England from France. Many refugees walked miles upon miles, and rode bus after bus, to get to Calais...so they may get to England. Fast forward, many months of political posturing --and these people have no place. Say it outloud-- "There is not a space...on this earth...that reflects back, a home. Their camp was called a jungle. And said jungle is no more. It was dismantled in 2016. All that remains are the land, the woods, and people who seek asylum. Please help me, help them, have dignity." We teach in our armed forces that you fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. We stand for freedom. You may never meet these people, but let me tell you this: they are refugees , because they embrace these words. And they walked the walk . Please talk the talk with me, today.
Here I am, with few clever words to compel you. Just the truth. Our team will work to distribute aid and do #somuchgood for a few days on the coast of France. I will update needs here in real time. But for today, help us pack our bags: help us buy coats in the next 48 hours. I have about 40 lbs. that need filled with proper goods. I had stuffed our bags full with underwear and socks but I leaned we need to bring coats and boots. Please help me put coats and proper shoes on the backs and feet of our sisters and brothers.
In solidarity,
SUSANNAH
