Bag it, donate it, we’ll sort it

Not very often we get an indoor task over in Croydon, also its been over a year since we last had a new task to attend, so when Care4Calis (C4C) contacted me asking for our help at Croydon Refugee Day Centre I was hastily accepted.

Despite the weather warnings, the heavy rainfall and strong winds earlier in the day 6 members of GoodGym Croydon were brave enough to attend the group run and we were rewarded with a break in the storm for us to run to our task to spread the GoodGym cheer to a new organisation.

Croydon Refugee Day Centre is less than a mile from our start location so when we arrive our host was not there as yet, dreading this was going to be another no show I telephoned her to inform her we were at the door, she apologised and informed me that she was 10 mins away. As we awaited Ivanka's arrival we entertained ourself with that good old squat routine to "Bring Sally Up", some jumping jacks and lunges. Just after we had finished our fitness routine Ivanka arrived and led us into the building, she gave us a quick tour while explaining what she would like us to do and where to place different items we came across in the donation bags.

We began sorting out the donations in the bags onto an empty table into stuff that was clean and wearable, you would not believe some of the things that are donated. Some that can be passed onto to others to use and some that CRDC will sell onto companies that buy old unwanted clothes. The money raised from the bags of unwanted clothes is used to buy basic essentials for for the refugees they help, some who have been in temporary housing and because they are asylum seekers have no recourse to government funding or able to get a job. Listening to Ivanka talk about the people they help and the support they offer makes me realise the things I sometimes take for granted, but glad I am in a position to help.

Next week we'll be heading back to Croydon Refugee Day Centre where Ivanka promised us we won't be spending the entire evening sorting out the clothes and she's also offered us a full tour of the building too, why not come along? If you would like to donate to the Croydon Refugee Day Centre, they are currently seeking mens clothing. Ladies check with your male relatives if they have any unwanted or surplus winter clothes they are no longer wearing, gents have you got a jumper, coat or trousers you can donate? Check your wardrobes and walk with an item or two pieces of clothing the distance to the Croydon Refugee Day Centre is less than a mile we can run with a few bags. Signup Here