Food, clothing and goodwill provide refugees with hope

A 40ft container packed with food, clothing and other basics of life for refugees will arrive on the Greek island of Samos later this month  – thanks to the generosity of people across Cheshire and the hard work of volunteers at Appleton Thorn.
And when it does, it will be greeted by volunteers from Cheshire who will help distribute the goods to the thousands of refugees – mainly from Syria – who are arriving on the island every day.
It is the first container to go directly from the group “Refugees – aid from the Northwest of England” started by local businesswoman Nora Carlin, who runs lifestyle management firm Arley’s Angels.
Although the group have sent tonnes of goods previously, the earlier cargoes have been sent via other established charities, such as Syria Relief, in Manchester, who have experience of relief work overseas. But the latest consignment was sorted locally and sent directly from Appleton.
About 50 volunteers are involved in the local operation, working in shifts,  and at least 20 are travelling to Samos to be there when the container arrives.
Nora said: “They are desperate for volunteers out there because the island has virtually been overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of refugees arriving.  Having packed the container at this end, we will be best placed to unpack it over there.
“I also want to see the situation on the ground for myself so that I can make sure we are doing every right – sending the stuff they need and making sure it goes to the right people.”
Donations are coming in at Appleton Thorn from all over the North West following Nora’s Facebook appeal for help. She has been given free use of vacant offices near her home and storage space at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institution.  A team from the prison has helped sort and pack the goods.
“Everyone has been wonderful” said Nora. “I have been quite overwhelmed by the generosity of people.”
With the refugee crisis showing little sign of coming to an end, Nora’s group is continuing its good work.  The main demand is for food, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, nappies and hygiene items.
Anyone who wants to help should visit the Facebook group “Refugees – Aid from the Northwest of England.”