Donations continue to flood in for refugees fleeing Syria

Mum Melanie Orr is the latest local resident to set up a collection point for donations to help thousands of refugees fleeing war to find a safe haven in Europe.

She is appealing to people to hand in tins of food, clothing, nappies, sleeping bags or any other provisions at Hillhead Community Centre in Newdykes Road, Kirkintilloch tomorrow (Saturday) from 12-4pm.

The donations will be forwarded to Scots charity Glasgow the Caring City. who will transport them to where they are needed.

Melanie’s two daughters, aged six and 12, have got in on the act, donating their toys and clothes.

Melanie said: “We have 
all been deeply affected by everything that has been going on, with people fleeing for their lives from war zones.

“We just felt we had to do something.”

Help has been flooding in from caring people in Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs and beyond.

Bishopbriggs woman Jillian Claydon’s appeal through a public Facebook page has also been inundated with offers of help.

She said: “over the weekend we have received so many kind donations of clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, nappies and even prams.”

These have been forwarded to a charity group travelling to a refugee camp in Calais.

Meanwhile, East Dunbartonshire Council leader Rhondda Geekie said the council is “ready and willing to support those affected by the current humanitarian crisis.”

She added: “We have been involved in the recent national discussions through COSLA, the umbrella organisation for Scottish local authorities and welcome the measures being put in place by the national Task Group that has been 
established by the First 
Minister.

“The scale of the crisis means that we and other local councils can only assist with the support of the UK and Scottish Governments and we are awaiting further detail on this.

“Until that detail is available, we will continue to engage in the national discussions.

She praised local people for their kindness and said: “We recognise many local people are keen to donate to help.”

She said donations could also be made through international charities such as The British Red Cross who are experienced in international aid and crisis support.

Councillor Geekie added that the Scottish Refugee Council has been involved in national discussions and their website also provides details on how to support the crisis at www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk

She added: “The national Task Force is also developing an online resource on how the public can best help this situation and as soon as that is available we will promote it throughout the area.”