PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Pompey fans are being urged to show their support for Syrian refugees by donating football kits and clothing.

‘Kits 4 Calais’ is an initiative led by Pompey in the Community and supported by the club.

And fans who want to help are asked to bring items to Saturday’s match against Barnet, where they will be collected and distributed to charities across Europe and the Middle East dealing with the humanitarian crisis. 

But you can already start donating – and will be able to do so for at least a week.

PitC have teamed up with the Beneficial Centre in Anson Road, which is providing collection and storage facilities and Portsmouth College, who are providing volunteers.

Please see the guide for what's needed at the bottom of this article and any items should be taken directly to the Beneficial Centre.

Clare Martin, chief executive of PitC, said: “The world has been shocked by the heart-breaking images of children’s bodies washing up on the shores of Europe and we feel sure Pompey fans will want to support this initiative to help those less fortunate than themselves.”

This year alone, more than 2,700 people have died trying to reach Europe, the majority of them drowning in the Mediterranean. In the past three months, 80 per cent of refugees crossing the border between Greece and Macedonia have come from Syria.

You can also make a donation to the UNICEF campaign by clicking here.

Almost two million Syrian children have been forced to flee their homes and UNICEF is working around the clock to make sure that they are provided with life-saving supplies such as clean water, medicine and psychological support.

- Clothing (Football Shirts/Socks, Hoodies, Tracksuits, Coats/Jackets, Jeans)

- Blankets

- Sleeping bags

- Tents (complete)

- Waterproof holdalls/bags

- Shoes (trainers/walking boots)

- Toothpaste, soap, towels, sanitary products

Please separate clothing into men, women and children's bundles and make sure that it is clean?

Food, bedding, pillows, anything perishable.

Please bring items to the beneficial centre in Anson Road between 12pm-3pm on Saturday or to the Pompey in the Community offices at all other times.