READY FOR ACTION . . . council leader Ronnie Nicholson is pictured with Moxie DePaulitte and Tabitha Mudaliar, of Dumfries and Galloway Refugee Action, and other councillors at Marchmount Depot in Dumfries
And caring residents have rushed to donate aid and supplies for the crisis hit people gathering in Calais.
A network of 15 hubs has been set up across the region by those horrified at the situation.
More than 2000 people have been organising collections locally over the past week.
They are appealing for more warm clothing, shoes, shelter, toiletries and tinned foods, as well as money to buy firewood and perishables.
People are also invited to send drawings, letters of support, cards and notes.
The regional organisers say there has been as ‘an overwhelming show of support’.
A spokeswoman said: “People have had enough of how badly their fellow human beings are being treated. It shouldn’t take photographs of a drowned child to prick the conscience enough to see refugees as people just like us but, unfortunately it seems to have come to that. The truth is that they are fleeing from horrors that we can’t even begin to imagine and we must help all we can.”
She added: “What is heartening is just how many people have leaped at the chance to help. It just shows what can be achieved on a grass roots level when people pull together. It really is a massive outpouring of love.”
An appeal has also been made for anyone with a van or lorry that could be used to deliver the aid, to get in touch.
