Bags of refugee aid

REFUGEE relief . . . from left, councillors Fazlul Haque, Sue Dearden, organiser Elaine Taylor and Graham Shuttleworth

A UNION worker delivering tons of vital aid to refugees fleeing to Europe has thanked people in Chadderton who have donated around 100 bags of goods in a fortnight.

CWU union organiser Elaine Taylor has been overwhelmed by the response to her collection of food, clothing, blankets, toiletries, camping gear and other vital items.

The 44 year old, of Wimborne Avenue, Chadderton, is joining a convoy leaving Manchester on Monday to deliver aid to refugees in Hungary. She paid tribute to local people, who have donated goods and money.

“Whatever you think of the situation, there’s a massive humanitarian crisis and individual countries are overwhelmed,” said Elaine. “I have been humbled by the response of Chadderton residents, but I couldn’t have raised the aid in such a short time without the help of my local councillors.”

Children’s goods are one of the things the convoys will be delivering and Elaine added: “With the increasing cold, wet weather, children are starting to suffer from hypothermia as supplies of rain coats and blankets are fast running out. There is a also massive shortage of things like baby bottles and milk.”

Elaine will spend two days travelling to the Hungarian border to join charities working with people entering the country.

Make a donation at: mydonate.bt.com/events/cwuharefugeeappeal