Scottish Catholic Observer

The pupils collected tents and sleeping bags, jackets and blankets, candles and pots and pans all desperately needed by those living rough.

Thousands of refugees are currently living in makeshift accommodation in a camp in Calais, described by an aid worker as ‘the largest slum in Europe.’

The children from St Columba’s are all working towards their Pope Francis Faith Award and have been studying the situation in Calais as part of their work.

“We found about refugees in Calais,” pupil Danny Reid said. “We were sorry for them because they don’t have anywhere to sleep and many have to walk miles to get to a safe place.

“Some refugees have died because they tried to travel by boats and the boats sunk. In Calais refugees are climbing into lorries and trying to get into Britain. Sometimes it works but sometimes they are not successful.

“Our faith tells us we should help them because Jesus said ‘Love one another.’ We wanted to show love to the refugees.”

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