After images emerged of a dead young Syrian boy washed up on a Turkish beach many people have felt more compelled than ever to help refugees and Surbiton is no different.
Sarah Rust, born and bred in Surbiton, decided to set up a Facebook group to make a difference.
She said: "I started the group initially adding a handful of friends to discuss what we can do.
"I was late for work because of awful traffic and everything felt so trivial. Stuff happens in the world and we feel helpless as we manage our homes, families and lifestyles, so we send money, never really sure of where it’s going.
"To have this happening on our doorstep and to do nothing seemed grossly wrong.
"The group grew very quickly as evidently so many of us were feeling the same way and everyone just wanted to do something."
'From the burbs with love' began.
Donations. Pic credit: Chantal Alexandra Richards
As more people wanted to donate Surbiton Boxing Club agreed Ms Rust could use the space to store items and pack up boxes to send to Calais on September 13.
She said: "On the day of the event around 20 volunteers showed up, the majority I had never met before. We sorted and packed around 800 washbags, plus boxes of disposable razors, wet wipes and nappies."
To continue the work, The Library in Kingston is hosting an acoustic open mic evening on October 29 .
Find out more at facebook.com/events/1652375011674354/
- Got a story? Get in touch on 020 8722 6368 or ellie.cambridge@london.newsquest.co.uk
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