Help of a different sort with Luxembourg's Red Cross
The reality of responding to the worst refugee crisis for generations is found in a warehouse in Windhof where hundreds of volunteers have been sorting donated items. Alix Rassel reports.
By Alix Rassel
“Follow the noise” was the advice I was given when entering the Croix Rouges’ (Red Cross) temporary sorting facility for refugee donations in Windhof.
I dutifully followed the instructions and arrived in what can only be described as a hive full of busyness and activity.
Volunteers methodically sorting clothes, labelling items, boxes being taped and trolleys whisking away cartons ready to be transported into enormous containers.
This is the reality of responding to the worst refugee crisis my generation has ever seen. A logistical puzzle requiring organisation, generosity and sheer man power.
“We were completely overwhelmed with the amount of donations we received,” explained Isabelle Vekemans of Croix Rouge Luxembourg.
“At one point, we could not even get into the Bonnevoie warehouse due to the volume of clothes we received
“At one point, we could not even get into the Bonnevoie warehouse due to the volume of clothes we received. Everyone has been so generous.”
Although the Croix Rouge had 12 ‘Drop Off’ points around the country, it quickly became apparent that the quantities received required not only additional storage but increased manpower in order to sort through the mountains of clothes.
“Individuals, families and even companies have volunteered their time to help,” explained Rachel Vieira Gomes, who is in charge of Communications for the Red Cross.
“Today we have 50 volunteers from the Slovak Translation department at the European Commission helping us and other local companies have also sent teams of people to support us.”
The temporary ‘sorting facility’ in Windhof was donated by Streff who responded to the initial request for storage from ‘Sammelaktioun fier Flüchtlingen’ and extended their support when the Croix Rouge took over.
“Amandine and Michel started the collections and asked the Croix Rouge to help when they returned to their studies.” Rachel explained.
“It has been great for us to have this additional space as we can work in much larger groups.”
In general the quality of the donations received was excellent. Although the Croix Rouge team explained that finding men’s clothing in smaller sizes was sometimes challenging.
Amongst the more unusual items to be donated were Christmas decorations, curtains and 14inch Stilettos. “All of which are sure to find a suitable home.” Isabelle added.
Last week five containers carrying more than 12 tonnes of clothing were delivered to one of the largest refugee centres near Trier with more to be sent across the Greater Region in the coming days.
Appeal for financial support
“Thanks to everyone’s enormous generosity, we don’t need any more clothing donations,” explained Rachel, adding: “What we need now is financial support in order to purchase essential hygiene items like toothbrushes. Luxembourg city residents received details of how to send money to the Croix Rouge via a mailing. However details can also be found on the website.”
“We are also looking for volunteers who can commit on a more regular basis to help at our Bonnievoie centre,” added Isabelle. “Anyone interested can contact us via the helpline on 27 55.”
For further information visit www.croix-rouge.lu/en/blog/don/projet/
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