Left to right - Faith Bellamy, Ileana, George, Linda Vijeh, Sharon,
Nicky
Local residents gathered at The Green House in Ilminster this
week to help raise funds for the Calais refugees, enjoying a delicious two
course meal of homemade spring rolls and chicken and vegetable stir fry, cooked
by Ileana, and raising an impressive £760.
Such was the popularity of the event, hosted by owner and
upcycling enthusiast, George, that guests had to dine in two sittings.
Local councillor and charity fund raiser Linda Vijeh, said,
‘I think that this was a tremendous idea and it was great to see
just how many people came out in support. Although recent news reports have
focused on the dismantling of the ‘jungle’ in Calais, many of us in this
country may not realise that there are still many people who remain homeless. I
have heard the argument that they are mainly young able bodied men, who
therefore do not deserve our help. Sadly, this highlights our lack of
understanding; easily done given that we have never been occupied by enemy
forces. For those fleeing worn torn countries such as Syria, where it is
impossible for everyone to flee, families will often select the most able
bodied person in the family and pool resources to enable them to escape, in the
hope that they will reach safety, start a new life and be in a position to help
their families.
Over the decades I have seen this countless times, although
usually in the context of economic migrants. Many of those seeking refuge in
the UK may well be economic migrants and I appreciate the concern this raises.
Personally, I take the view that as long as they contribute to our society
rather than be a drain on it, then it should not be such a huge problem. As
someone approaching pensionable age, if the government would only stop moving
the goal posts, I am all too aware of the need for a younger generation in
gainful employment to fund my pension in later years. In the meantime, fund
raising initiatives such as this should be applauded, not condemned.’
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