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I’m Tom, a Digital Account Manager at Estrella Ventures, and later this year, my colleague Tyler and I will be heading to Calais to volunteer with The Woodyard and Care4Calais.
We’ll be sharing our journey from now until we set off, so future volunteers can get a glimpse of what to expect.
Here’s a bit more about me and why I’m excited to be volunteering with RefYouMe in Calais.
I’m 23 and live in Bristol, where I work at Estrella Ventures. I’m responsible for managing digital marketing campaigns for our clients, helping them grow their online presence and engage with their audiences effectively. Outside of work, I’ve volunteered with The Trussell Trust, supporting various initiatives including a project in Bulgaria where we helped Roma children access essential services.
In my free time, you’ll find me creating videos, reading, and golfing! But giving back has always been important to me, which is why I’m particularly excited about this opportunity with RefYouMe.
I’ve always believed that we have the ability to make a positive difference, no matter how overwhelming the world’s challenges may seem. Whether it’s war, climate change, or displacement, it’s easy to feel powerless. But there’s always something we can do, even if it’s just dedicating a bit of time.
I’ve volunteered with various charities in the past, like the Trussel Trust and Wessex Autistic Society. When this opportunity to work with refugee-based organisations came up, it felt like the right next step, especially after the last few years. Even if we’re simply sorting donations or lending a hand with logistics, it’s a way to contribute directly to people who need support after displacement.
Also, at Estrella Ventures, we’re encouraged to take some days a year for volunteering. It’s a brilliant initiative, and I hope more of my colleagues will be inspired to take advantage of it after seeing the impact of this trip!
Planning a trip like this can be quite daunting, so RefYouMe’s support is invaluable. They’ve streamlined the entire process, from connecting us with grassroots organisations to sorting out transport and accommodation, as well as introducing us to a great group of fellow volunteers.
There’s the option to potentially self-organise a trip in the future as well thanks to the expertise of the RefYouMe team.
I’m going into this with an open mind, but I’m eager to learn more about the incredible work being done by grassroots organisations in Calais. If I can make a tangible difference during the trip and inspire more people to get involved, then I’ll feel like we’ve achieved something meaningful.
Follow our journey as we prepare to head to Calais! Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and check out more volunteer stories for insights into what to expect.
If you can spare a weekend and the cost of the trip then we will organise everything else to get you to Calais, so you can see for yourself the importance of direct support and giving and the difference you can make.
All donated funds are directed to the grassroots charities on the ground helping refugees in Calais and used for the most urgent requirements and those most desperately in need. If you would rather purchase an item of need please go to our shop and see exactly where you money goes.
