Appeal launched to support Afghans housed at Chickerell Camp
Local groups are taking in donations for families arriving here
An appeal's been set up in Chickerell, to support Afghan nationals who've arrived there, to resettle in the UK.
They're not refugees, but instead people who worked with the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan and are being relocated for their own safety.
But Chickerell Town Council say the first arrivals have come with very few possessions, so they - alongside the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, Weymouth Rotary Club, the Veterans Hub and Weymouth and Portland's Town Councils - are looking to collect items to help them.
Chickerell's Mayor, Cllr Mike Jolliffe said:
“Chickerell Town Council is working with Chickerell Army Camp to identify items that are needed by the families to make them more comfortable. We are also working with our local community group, Spirit of Chickerell, who are purchasing 5 a side football goals and cricket sets for the older children. These will stay at the camp for the duration of the scheme.
"Any donations of warm clothes, coats, shoes or good condition toys would be most appreciated and can be dropped off at Chickerell Town Council’s offices at Willowbed Hall."
President of the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club, Ryan Hope, said:
“We are seeking donations of new or pre-loved warm clothes (adult women / men’s and children), coats, shoes and toys both to gift to the families who are currently housed in the camp and to build up a stock to ensure that the next set of families who arrive have items ready there to welcome them."
Andy Price of the Weymouth Veterans Hub added:
“We understand that Christmas can be a difficult and many families have already gifted to local charities however if you have something you can gift to these families it will support them during their short stay here in Dorset before they are rehomed and give the opportunity to re build their lives after the service they gave."
What's needed?
The appeal's taking in donations of:
- School bags for older children
- Toys for young people of all ages
- Pencils and colouring pens
- Warm clothes, coats and raincoats
- Bedding for babies
- Nappies
- Scooters and skateboards for older children
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
Chickerell Town Council Offices - between 9.30am and 12.00pm Monday to Friday (Closed 23rd December to 2nd January)
The Veterans Hub - 10.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Saturday (Closed 26th December)
Mulberry Children Centre - 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
Financial donations can also be made by cheque, made payable to Weymouth & Portland Lions Club, and posted to Weymouth & Portland Lions Club, C/O Mark Lockie Niu Haus, Franchise Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8JU.
Payments can also be made by Bank Transfer to Weymouth & Portland Lions Club Charity, account number 91118050 Sort code 60-23-35 - just reference Chickerell Camp on the details.