Words by Smiley Team
This weekend - the 27th and 28th of June - would have been the time that thousands of people would gather for the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival. But instead of dancing in the fields, Help Refugees UK are asking their UK based supporters to donate any unwanted tents in support of refugees and displaced people in Northern France via their partners there, Collective Aid.
Help Refugees have 19 incredible local partners across the UK that have agreed to open up their collection points for the weekend of the 27th and 28th June to enable them to do this.
The charity’s model is pioneering and works to provide long term solutions and emergency aid where they are needed.
To do this, they ensure that 89% of donations go straight to the frontline and are currently supporting over 120 projects in 15 countries. Help Refugees works with local organisations to provide whatever they need whether that is funding, volunteers or in this instance, tents.
Help Refugees is encouraging people to get family and friends involved to donate any unwanted tents that might be sitting at the back of a cupboard or unused in a shed, as they could provide much needed shelter for refugees. If you have a tent to donate can head to the website to find your nearest drop-off point and email them to book a time slot.
For those who are unable to travel or do not have tents to donate, it is also possible to buy tents and other supplies for refugees in need through the Choose Love store. There are a whole host of other ways to support Help Refugees including via donations (financial or material), fundraising or by joining the 35,000 people who have volunteered with Help Refugees over the last for years. You can find out more by heading to their website and following them on social media @chooselove
