In Calais, the CFTC helps Ukrainian refugees
May 20, 2022 |
Social
In the aftermath of the war in Ukraine, the CFTC participated in the chain of solidarity and urged members of its organization to help when possible. Record heard by the local CFTC branch in Calais.
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Triggered in the Donbass, this invasion is considered the most important military operation that Europe has known since the end of the Second World War. This is how 5.4 million [selon des chiffres du Haut-Commissariat de l’ONU pour les réfugiés (HCR) publiés jeudi 28 avril 2022] Ukrainians have fled their country to seek safety. France is one of the States which have welcomed them and which persist in welcoming them. [70 000, selon les chiffres de l’Office français de l’immigration et de l’intégration (Ofii) publiés mercredi 27 avril 2022].
In this alarming context, the CFTC, accompanied by other trade union organizations, wished to affirm its solidarity with the Ukrainian people by setting up an inter-union convoy for Ukraine, chartered by train, in order to provide material aid: products basic necessities and care. The organization also encouraged its union teams to develop solidarity initiatives wherever possible. In Calais, the instruction was not only heard, but also applied by Robert Martel and his collaborators: Valérie Declerck and Éric Houdayer.
Robert, 70, retired and co-responsible for the local CFTC branch in Calais, is one of those people for whom commitment rhymes with action. At only 22 years old, he took his card from the CFTC and never left it again, gradually building his network and his local branch.
The CFTC was like a family for me, I took refuge there very quickly and I will always fight for it… I have always tried to get as close as possible to people, to help them. My union commitment goes through this concern for people. When the war in Ukraine started, how could I remain impassive? he confides.
The local branch therefore met several Ukrainian families living in Calais: mainly women, children and seniors. [les hommes « valides » ayant été mobilisés au front] in order to target their needs: food and clothing donations, but also and above all books to learn the French language.
The response to these needs came from the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) [active dans le Pas-de-Calais depuis de nombreuses années, l’organisation vient en aide aux plus démunies] to whom the local CFTC branch turned, thus becoming a kind of associative relay between the organization and the refugees. Notable fact: financial aid must also see the light of day. The amount granted by SSVP will be managed by the local branch CFTC, in permanent contact with Ukrainian families in need.
It should be noted that other mutual aid links are assured, in particular with local merchants. Sales (flea market, garage sale) will be organized for the benefit of refugees: “ Our goal is to create a dynamic of lasting mutual aid. “says Robert. Finally, the members of the local branch collected CVs in order to facilitate the professional integration of refugee refugees.
Many of them are multilingual. These skills are in demand… it’s not going to be easy to help them in this regard, but, you know, when I make a promise, I keep it, says Valérie.
Asked about the duration of this humanitarian action in the face of uncertainty about the end of the war, the local branch affirms that no matter how long it takes, it could come to the aid of those in need. A fine example of putting into practice the values of brotherhood so dear to the CFTC.