Refugees in crisis: How to fill and pack emergency food bags for distribution to refugees living without shelter

July 2017: Preparing food bags for distribution to Sudanese refugees living rough in Bruxelles

In the Autumn of 2015, the death of the little Syrian boy Alan Kurdi placed the refugee story centre stage in the mind's eye of many people.  Outraged by the humanitarian crisis, volunteers across Europe kickstarted a huge effort to provide aid and support to the men, women and children arriving here, fleeing war, famine and poverty in several countries across the Middle East and Africa.

This video shows how a very small team of volunteers, albeit with good funding, was able to put together hundreds of food bags in double quick time.  The process in the video works well, but it can be improved.  After watching, I hope you think of improvements and put them into practice to ensure the people you help get the best support available.

 

Since then, the need to support the thousands of vulnerable refugees, rather than abating has increased.  The unofficial refugee camps in Calais and Dunkirk, while awful, offered at least some stability to the encamped refugees.  The camps meant charitable associations could more easily provide tents, caravans, hot meals, clothing and support in a centralised location. However, the breakup of the unofficial camps and the dispersement of thousands of refugees across France and Belgium means the men, women and child refugees and volunteer groups now face different challenges.

In July 2017, the Liverpool based refugee and homeless support team at Merseyaid, put out a call for aid to be delivered to France.  I transported almost a hundred sleeping bags and blankets for distribution to refugees sleeping rough in Northern France.  I stayed volunteering for a couple of weeks.  While in Calais, I helped out at the Care4Calais warehouse in Sangatte and did two food bag distributions to hundreds of young Sudanese men living rough around the Gare du Nord rail station in Bruxelles.

Delivering a food bag distribution to a multitude of end-users is challenging and requires good teamwork but the back-end logistics of gathering suitable food donations, filling and packing bags, balancing the often conflicting issues of deadline, quantity, quality, and budget, requires money, strong processes, as well as great teamwork. 

Merseyaid refugee and homeless support

If you want to donate food, clothes, money or volunteer your time to help refugee men, women, boys and girls please visit Merseyaid the Liverpool based refugee and homeless support group.

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Ormskirk Knights of Saint Columba Collect Spectacles for the Giving Sight To Africa Appeal

Ormskirk Council 64 of the Knights of Saint Columba

The Ormskirk Council of the Knights of Saint Columba are pictured here with their glasses collection box at Saint Anne’s Church in Ormskirk, West Lancashire.

(Pictured left to right: Tony Gill, Mark Condon, Jim Holland, Matthew Wright, Don McGair)

The idea for the glasses collection box came from long standing Knight and St. Anne’s parishioner Jim Holland. He said “If you wear glasses like me, you are bound to have old pairs of glasses around the house, why not put them to good use?” One batch of dozens of pairs of glasses donated by parishioners has already been passed onto Specsavers Opticians as part of their Vision Aid Overseas appeal: “Giving sight to Africa”.

The Ophthalmic Director Neil Pearson and Retail Director Lieza Albiston at the Ormskirk Specsavers Opticians are reportedly delighted with both the efforts of the Knights of Saint Columba and the generosity of the Saint Anne’s parishioners, which all go towards supporting such a marvellous campaign.

The old or unwanted spectacles collected by the Knights of Saint Columba are passed to Specsavers and recycled by Vision Aid Overseas, a charity which specialises in providing eye care for those in poverty-stricken countries around the world. The money made from recycling the glasses is used to fund the charity work of Vision Aid Overseas. Since its inception in 1987, the UK-based charity has helped more than one million people in the developing world.

About the Knights of Saint Columba. The Knights of Saint Columba is a Catholic fraternal service organisation. Founded in Glasgow in 1919, it is named in honour of Saint Columba, a Christian missionary from Ireland who helped to introduce Christianity to people in Northern Britain.

Ormskirk Knights of Saint Columba with Archbishop Malcolm McMahon July 2015

The KSC is dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity and has more than 4,000 members in over 300 Councils across England, Scotland and Wales. The Ormskirk Council of the KSC was founded by Squire Francis Nicholas Blundell in 1923.

More information

Knights of Saint Columba: www.ksc.org.uk

Vision Aid Overseas: http://www.visionaidoverseas.org/recycle

Specsavers Opticians: http://www.specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/vision-aid-overseas

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Ormskirk Cricket Club Video Interview Fundraiser for Bowel Cancer UK

Ormskirk Cricket Club Video Interview Fundraiser for Bowel Cancer UK

Anita Holme speaks to Life In Another Town about the Mums, Dads, Lads and Lasses Sunday Cricket Day at Ormskirk Cricket Club on 22nd April 2012

Ormskirk Cricket Club Mums Dad Lads and Lasses Sunday Cricket raising money for Bowel Cancer UK April 22nd 2012

Ormskirk Cricket Club Mums Dad Lads and Lasses Sunday Cricket raising money for the Bowel Cancer UK charity April 22nd 2012

The Bowel Cancer UK charity was the benificiary of the Mums, Dads, Lads and Lasses Cricket day on Sunday 22nd April 2012 at the Ormskirk Cricket Club.

Up For It at the Ormskirk Civic Hall March 2012

Up For It at the Ormskirk Civic Hall - A new musical comedy by Tony Crimlisk March 2012

I was fortunate to get to see the dress rehearsal last week and I am amazed at the energy and creativity, that Tony and U3A members have managed to put into the show. The huge jaundiced jalopy, spouting steam and light like some four wheeled dragon, brightens the stage and serves as a colourful focus for much of the on stage action.

Tony Crimlisk - Writer of Up for it - Music Comedy at Ormskirk Civic Hall March 2012

Scooby Dooby Sue Murrin Bailey West Lancashire Mayoress promotes the Beacon Park charity dog walk

West Lancashire Mayoress is Scooby Dooby Sue

It can get ruff being the West Lancashire Mayoress as Scooby Dooby Sue promoted an upcoming charity dog walk.

The West Lancashire Mayoress 'Scooby Dooby Sue' Murrin Bailey, had a bone to pick with the West Lancashire Dog Control Team today in Skelmersdale.  However, she was obviously barking up the wrong tree as she promoted the Community Dog Walk in Beacon Park on April 1st 2012.

North West Cancer Research Fund Aughton Committee Coffee Morning Photos March 2012

Photos from an Aughton Cancer Research Fundraiser Coffee Morning March 2012

The Aughton Committee of the North West Cancer Research Fund held a successful fundraising coffee morning on Wednesday 21st March 2012.

Aughton Committee North West Cancer Research Fund

Ormskirk Hair & Fashion show in support of the UK-Sands Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity March 2012

Photos taken at a hair and fashion show in Ormskirk, West Lancashire, in support of the UK-Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death) Charity.

The Left Bank Brasserie in Ormskirk on Sunday night, March 11th 2012, was the venue for a vibrantly colourful hair and fashion show charity fundraiser event, in support of the UK-Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death) Charity.

Ormskirk Fundraiser Fashion Show for the UK-Sands Charity

The fashion show presented, to the assembled audience, a range of hair styles and fashion clothing to suit women of all ages, for a variety of occasions.  The sale of tickets for the charity event and a prize raffle means that a cheque for a significant amount will soon be on its way to help the work of the UK-Sands Charity.

The fundraising event was organised by Alexis Boulger of the Studio 44 Hair Salon and came together with the support of Rumours (Ladies Fashion) and the Left Bank Brasserie.

The UK-Sands Charity was founded in 1978 by a small group of bereaved parents devastated by the death of their babies.

The bereaved parents' heartache was exacerbated by a feeling that there was a lack of acknowledgement and understanding by the health authorities and perhaps also the wider community, as to the significant loss felt by these parents and their families.

Since then, the UK-Sands Charity has grown and now supports thousands of families who have been affected by the loss of a baby. The charity members provide emotional support, comfort and practical help.

If you would like to find our more about the work of the UK-Sands Charity, please visit their website at www.uk-sands.org or telephone +44 (0) 207 436 5881

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Cystic Fibrosis Amanda Unit Broad Green Hospital Liverpool Fundraiser Video interview with Brenda Morris March 2012

A video interview with Brenda Morris about the Amanda Unit at Broad Green Hospital which provides care for teenagers with Cystic Fibrosis.

Paula Morris died in 1990, aged only 21 years old from Cystic Fibrosis.  During this interview her mother Brenda Morris talks about her daughter and fundraising for the Amanda Unit at Broad Green Hospital in Liverpool.

Brenda Morris at Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser in Maghull

 
The video interview was recorded at the Amanda Unit fundraiser at St. George's Social Centre in Maghull on Friday 2nd March 2012.  The event raised £1029.

If you want to find out more about Cystic Fibrosis, please visit http://www.cftrust.org.uk/

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Video clip montage of Charity Tea Dance Ormskirk in support of West Lancs Mayoress Charities Feb 2012

The second video of the Charity Tea Dance Ormskirk in support of West Lancs Mayoress Charities Feb 2012

Let's Dance! at the West Lancs Mayoress Charity Tea Dance Ormskirk Feb 2012

The Tea Dance raised money for the West Lancs Women's Refuge and Community Heartbeat charities and was supported by numerous local amateur dancers, from nearby University of the Third Age (U3A) groups in Burscough and Aughton in West Lancashire, the local RAF Association and local dance classes.

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Video of Mayoress dancing The Charleston at the Charity Tea Dance Ormskirk Civic Hall 2012

Dancing The Charleston at West Lancs Mayoress Charity Tea Dance Ormskirk Civic Hall 2012

West Lancashire Mayoress Sue Murrin-Bailey puts her best foot forward and dances The Charleston during the Charity Tea Dance at the Ormskirk Civic Hall on Tuesday 28th March 2012.

Charity Tea Dance Ormskirk Civic Hall Feb 2012

The Tea Dance raised money for the West Lancs Women's Refuge and the Community Heartbeat charities.

Also on Life in Another Town:  Video highlights of the Tea Dance at the Civic Hall.

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Teenage Cystic Fibrosis Maghull Charity Fundraiser photos Feb 2012

Photos of the Amanda Unit (Teenage Cystic Fibrosis Broad Green Hospital Liverpool) charity fundraising event at St. Georges Social Centre Maghull Liverpool on Friday 2nd March 2012.

Created with flickr slideshow.

This Cystic Fibrosis fundraising event was warmly attended by many Maghull locals in support of the efforts of Brenda Morris to raise funds for the Amanda Unit at Broad Green Hospital.

Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive genetic disease, affecting most critically the lungs and also the pancreas, liver, and intestine.


Brenda's daughter Paula Morris, died in 1990, aged 21 years old, due to lung failure, brought on by Cystic Fibrosis.

Brenda Morris raises money for the Teenage Cystic Fibrosis Unit at Broad Green Hospital

Sufferers of Cystic Fibrosis can spend long periods of time in hospital.  Prone to infection, they are often isolated in side wards.  Teenagers don't respond well to isolation; boredom and increased feelings of depression are hardly a good thing when a patient is trying to get well and overcome a severe illness.

At the time, Paula could only be cared for in a specialist infants unit and since then Brenda has fundraised for the Amanda Unit at Broad Green Hospital in Liverpool, to help the team provide the right care and environment to cater for the specific needs of teenagers and young adults with Cystic Fibrosis.

Elvis was in the building for the Cystic Fibrosis Amanda Unit charity fundraising event

If you want to find out more about Cystic Fibrosis and how you can help support the fundraising efforts of people like Brenda Morris, please visit http://www.cftrust.org.uk/

Also on Life in Another Town:  Video interview with Cystic Fibrosis Maghull fundraiser Brenda Morris.

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Mayoress Charity Tea Dance photos Ormskirk Civic Hall Feb 2012

Charity Tea Dance Ormskirk Civic Hall Feb 2012.

The charity committee for West Lancashire Mayoress Sue Murrin Bailey organised this fundraising event.  The purpose of which was to raise money for a sensory garden for children at the West Lancs Women's Refuge and to buy a debrillator for the Community Heartbeat charity.

Tea Dance fundraiser for West Lancashire Mayoress supported charities at Ormskirk Civic Hall Feb 2012

The dance was supported by members of local dance classes from the Burscough and Aughton U3a groups (University of the third age), the Ormskirk Royal Airforce Association and Ann McDonalds Sunday Group.

Also on Life in Another Town:  Video of the Mayoress dancing The Charleston

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Buy Tickets for the West Lancashire Mayoress Charity Tea Dance Tue Feb 28th 2012

Mayoress Tea Party Fundraiser

Can you dance the Light Fandango, Quickstep and Foxtrot?  Or like myself, would you prefer to drink tea and eat cakes?

Either way, please buy a couple of tickets, take a friend and support the West Lancashire Mayoress Charity Tea Dance to raise funds for the West Lancs Womens's Refuge and Community Heartbeat Charities.

The charity Tea Dance is at the Civic Hall, Ormskirk, 2pm - 4pm on Tuesday 28th February 2012.

Tickets are available by ringing Ann England at the Mayor's office Tel 01695 585033 
 
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Photos of the West Lancashire Mayoress Charities Fundraiser The Hopvine in Burscough Feb 21st 2012

West Lancashire Mayoress Charities Fundraiser at The Hopvine Pub and Restaurant in Burscough Monday 21st February 2012.

Mike and Julie McCombe the proprietors of The Hopvine generously sponsored this fundraising meal for the West Lancashire Mayoress' charities.

Diners bought tickets to support the event to help raise money for the West Lancs Women's Refuge and Community Heartbeart charities.

In addition to enjoying a wonderful meal, the guests raised additional money from the proceeds of a prize raffle.  I hope Little Ted and his friends will be happy in their new homes.

West Lancashire Mayoress Charity fundraiser raffle prizes

I hear that Burscough village is very close to securing enough money to buy its own defibrillator.  An Emergency response by Fire and Ambulance services can take longer in rurual areas.  A defibrillator close to hand in the village centre could be used to save a life of a resident suffering a cardiac arrest.  When Burscough gets its' own defibrillator, this will be due, in no small part, to the support by the Mayoress' of the Community Heartbeat charity.  However, some additional fundraising is still needed.

How to invite the Mayor to an event: If you're interested in inviting the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to attend an official event, you have any fundraising ideas or would like to make a donation to the charities, then please contact Ann England in the Mayor's Office on 01695 585033 or email ann.england@westlancs.gov.uk 

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Tesco Burscough Alzheimers Society Charity Fundraising Day Feb 11th 2012

Tesco Burscough Alzheimers Society Charity Fundraising Day Feb 11th 2012

Community Champion Craig Smith told me he hopes to become a bit fitter and do a parachute jump to raise money for next year's charity.

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Compassion UK charity fundraiser Video interview with Sam Smith

Compassion UK charity fundraiser Skelmersdale Football Club.  Interview with Sam Smith Friday 3rd February 2012

This video is Part 5 in the series of interviews, illustrating how faith and religion play a part in the community.  In this instance 'community' is more than just the people of West Lancashire.  This interview is a reminder that we live in a global society and with just the right motivation and will, we can help our neighbours right across the world.

Sam is a physical education instructor at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, West Lancashire, England. He and his wife are committed Christians and belong to the Ormskirk Christian Fellowship based at Edge Hill University.  They have sponsored three children via the Compassion UK charity, which is part of Compassion International.

Now, Sam is trying to raise £4000 to go towards funding a Compassion leadership development programme in Ethiopia.  During the interview, Sam explains the motivation behind his plan to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro and tells us why he is supporting this charitable project.

WRVS Ormskirk Hospital Shop Video Interview with manager Deborah Brown

WRVS Orsmkirk Hospital Shop Interview with manager Deborah Brown

The WRVS (Women's Royal Voluntary Service) is a charity which originated back during the second world war. Today the motto of the WRVS is "Positive about age, positive about life"

Through more than 40,000 volunteers WRVS helps older people all over the country to stay independent at home and active in their community. It is that practical little bit of help that makes all the difference -- whether at home, getting them to where they want to go, bringing people together through social activities or supporting them in hospital or in an emergency.

The WRVS hospital shop in the Ormskirk District General Hospital donated in 2011 £41,000 to the hospital.  This donation was made to fund a new heart scanner. The money was raised from the profits made by the hospital shop.

During the video interview Deborah Brown, the shop manager, gives us an insight into the shops activities and those of the WRVS in West Lancashire.

Skelmersdale Compassion UK Christian Sponsor a Child fundraiser

Photos taken at the Sam Smith Compassion UK Christian charity Sponsor a Child fundraiser at Skelmersdale FC Friday 3rd January 2012.

Sam Smith: "I am 31 years old and live in a town called Sklemersdale near Liverpool. I am so excited to be part of the Blood,Sweat & Compassion team heading out in March 2012. My wife and I have been supporting Compassion for the last four years and sponsor 3 amazing children from Haiti, India & Ethiopia. I am totally up for this challenge not just for me personally but also to raise money for such a worthy cause to see 4 young people brought from poverty and getting the chance to be leaders and changers in their societies.

Date of Trip: March 2012

I am a personal trainer, I love a challenge! This is like no other challenge I have taken on before. I have to admit the initial attraction was the personal challenge but after I read on about how the money raised would be used to send 4 young innovators through university and give them a chance otherwise they could only dream about, it sealed it for me!! Compassion's projects and what they do in the poorest communities around the world with the poorest of children are truly worthy causes. From the Child Survival Programme to the Child Development Programme and this Leadership Development Programme, all giving a child a chance it deserves to survive and thrive to be everything it was created to be. Past students of the Leadership Development Programme have gone on to become agriculturalists, biomedical technicians, business people, doctors, teachers, pastors and members of Parliament.

Fundraising Target: £4000

I work in a University and going to futher education is an option almost all teenagers have even with the rise in fees. To hear there are 4 young poeple who have excelled in the child development programme with Compassion and want to go as far as they can to be inspirational leaders in their communites and societies and they just need some people to give/raise money and climb a mountain, count me in! We take so much for granted, health care, food, clothing, education. These 4 guy's would have struggled to attain any of these without the support of Compassion and its sponsors. They have excelled within the programme and shown their potential and need this oportunity to be the best they can be to realise this calling of leadership. I believe you may not see the fruit of what you give towards this cause, but the benefit others will recieve will echo into eternity! Please give whatever you can to help me help others, help others!" Smith Smith.
You can donate towards this cause by visiting http://www.compassionuk.org/blood-sweat-compassion-mar12-Sam-Smith

Community Heartbeat Defibrillators Video Interview with West Lancashire Mayoress Sue Murrin Bailey

Community Heartbeat: Supporting Community Defibrillation.

West Lancashire Mayoress Sue Murrin Bailey explains why she, as Mayoress, is advocating the support of community defibrillation.

The Community Heartbeat Trust provides life saving equipment which in the event of someone having a heart attack will dramatically increase their chances of survival.

What is a defibrillator?  A defibrillator is a life-saving machine that gives the heart an electric shock in some cases of cardiac arrest. This is called defibrillation and can save lives.

Community Heartbeat Defibrillator