TAG readers had raised an amazing 1,200 euros, thanks to readers and some English people in Henley on Thames, friends of our daughters. This enabled us to buy some shoes and some new well fitting clothes for the young men all under 18.
They have families in the UK and all bar two want to go to the UK to join them. Two have since being here and are nearing 18 have decided they would rather stay and risk their chances than possibly being allowed to the UK only to be deported at 18.
Every boy had 40 euros to spend and it is amazing how well they spent it. Warm bomber type jackets, warm jogging bottoms and black t shirts seemed the favourite things.
A really lovely thing happened as we were entering the shop. A French lady passing asked if these were the Afghan youngsters who had recently arrived from Calais. We told her they were and she followed us into the shop and bought 20 pairs of underpants/ (slips they are called in French ) for the boys. She handed the bag to me but did not want a fuss and quickly left.
When I told the other lady helpers there was not a dry eye amonst us. Some wonderful people in this world.
This week we took half of the boys and next week we go to take the other half.
In the photo the lady in blue is the cashier who was very helpful and made me join the store so next week we can have even more discounts. The lady in red is Jacky Malotaux who works so hard for refugees.
Thanks to Sarah, Laura, and Caroline, what solid chums you are and what fun we have had with all the delightful youngsters and our young men over the last year.
