THE COORDINATED EFFORTS of Moray communities to gather aid for refugees fleeing war-torn Syria continued to gather pace last night.
The number of collection points for much-needed donations has grown with contacts and drop-off points now established in Forres, Elgin, Aberlour, Keith, Buckie, Lossiemouth, Mosstodloch and Lhanbryde.
Organising the Lossiemouth effort is Carolle Ralph, who outlined a list of items that were badly needed by refugees that includes shoes, tents, jackets, travelling bags, socks, candles and belts.
Mrs Ralph has also obtained a list that agencies say are not required – these include women’s or children’s clothing, sheets, pillows, suits, town shoes, jumpers and wellingtons.
Mrs Ralph said: “Outfit Moray on Shore Street has kindly offered to act as a drop-off point in Lossiemouth for any items people might wish to donate to the Moray CalAid.”
Information on Moray CalAid is constantly being updated on their Facebook Page.
Meanwhile Moray’s MP is today leading a move to force an increase in efforts by the UK Government to help refugees in the current crisis.
Angus Robertson will head six party leaders at Westminster who back a parliamentary motion forcing a debate on the matter at the House of Commons. The debate will be led by the SNP leader at Westminster and backed by the acting Labour leader Harriet Harman.
Mr Robertson said: “It is great to have a cross-party effort for increasing support for refugees who are in such a position of total extremity. The message to the Prime Minister and his government colleagues is clear, the UK must do more to support those affected by this horrendous crisis.
“The motion and debate will hopefully persuade the UK government to go beyond the announcements already made, including increasing the number of refugees that the UK is willing to accept.
“The SNP have committed to a full-day debate on the issue and have agreed with the other parties to the wording of this motion. The debate will be led by myself and closed by SNP International Affairs spokesperson Alex Salmond.
“David Cameron’s leadership on this has been inadequate and now six party leaders are challenging him to show more leadership and work more constructively with our European partners.”