You can help five local churches support refugees in Northern France.
On Saturday 24th September 2016 a vehicle will be transporting aid from Northern Ireland to the Help Refugees warehouse in Calais. Further trips are planned during the winter months.
This aid effort is being organised by the Causeway Coast and Dungannon Vineyard fellowships.
Three churches in Ballymena have agreed to support them by providing Collection Points for the reception of toiletries and other aid bound for the life-changing vehicle.
Green Pastures Church, on the Fenaghy Road Industrial Estate in Galgorm, Living Rivers, which is situated on Railway Street and the All Saint’s Parish Church on the Cushendall Road, will be able to receive items at the following times and locations.
GREEN PASTURES CHURCH – Galgorm, Ballymena – deliver to Reception Monday 19th-Friday 23rd September between 9:00am and 4:00pm only
LIVING RIVERS CHURCH – Railway Street, Ballymena – deliver to Reception Monday 19th -Thursday 22nd Sept between 9:00a.m and 4:00pm only.
ALL SAINTS CHURCH – St. Vincent De Paul Shop – deliver on Wednesday 21st Sept or Thursday 22nd Sept between 9:00am and 5:00pm only.
Things to remember:
- Please look at the LIST OF NEEDED ITEMS on link below from the Help Refugees website here, and see if you could gather together a bag full of items.
- Please don’t give anything that isn’t on the list.
- Take your bag to one of the locations listed below at the times stated.
- Do this before Friday 23rd September.
- Make sure your bag is secure and clearly marked “For Calais”
As winter approaches you are encouraged to help four local churches support refugees in Northern France.
Speaking on behalf of the project organisers, Jonathan Leakey said: “With winter approaching the refugees now in Calais and Dunkirk will need items to sustain them in the cold weather such as blankets, clothing and toiletries – we can help them in Ballymena this week! The vast majority of these refugees are innocent victims of war just trying to escape from war-zones or persecution.
While the Mid and East Antrim Council considers its response to the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme aimed at helping refugees from camps in the Middle East. While European politicians argue over what to do with those stuck in Calais and Dunkirk, not to mention Greece, winter is on its way and the 6,000+ individuals in northern France have very real practical needs just to keep them alive, warm and free of disease while they wait”, added Jonathan.
You can find out more about the four churches involved by clicking the relevant links. Causeway Coast Vineyard, Vineyard Church Dungannon, Living Rivers Church and All Saints Church.
