The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A short appeal for clothes to help Syrian migrant children attracted more than 250 bags of donations.
Ella’s Syrian Appeal – organised by Spalding couple Mark and Sarah Le Sage – has now closed but achieved its aim of giving urgent assistance to youngsters with few possessions after their families fled the war-torn country.
The clothes have already been delivered to areas where families have gathered, the majority to Greece.
Mark said: “It’s been a superb effort by everyone involved.
“We didn’t know what to expect when we launched the appeal but the response has been amazing.
“It looked like some people had been out and bought brand-new clothes to be sent.
“We’re very grateful to everyone that donated items.”
The appeal was first promoted in The Voice on September 17. Since then about 120 bin bags full of items have been left at lots of collection points right across South Holland. About the same amount of donations in carrier bags was also made.
The appeal was a spin-off of Ella’s Project, which is ongoing. The Le Sages launched the project, named after their two-year-old daughter, to find welcome second homes for undamaged, unsoiled clothes for 0-5 year-olds. The Syrian appeal stretched the age range from 0-18 years.
Mark said: “It’s just lovely that people got behind the Syrian project and Ella’s Project in general.”
Mark and Sarah are planning to launch a Christmas appeal shortly.
