Donations for Calais Jungle Boxing Club

Calais Jungle Boxing Club was created thanks to the passion and continuous work of long term volunteer Josh McDonald. After a couple of months distributing weekly food supplies on behalf of Calais Kitchens he identified a great need for outlets that tried to support the physical and mental well being of the now 9000+ young men in camp. Harnessing connections made with residents and community representatives, he began to bring to fruition a space where boxing could be used to release tensions and negative feelings in a positive way. For the first few months this was an outdoor impromptu set up with crash mats, donated boxing gloves/pads and scaffolding poles as fitness equipment. In early August 2016, the vision of one person began to gain the support and energy of many others, with an anonymous donor and group of dedicated volunteers providing materials, labour and time to bring the space to life.

Now 'the Jungle' has a gym building... a vital place for the betterment of residents.

Primarily, the boxing club is a space to cultivate discipline, motivation, clear thinking, empowerment and mental health, thereby combating the effects of constant exposure to adverse conditions. The Club also brings together people of different nationalities, to share skills as well as lead specific activities.

What we currently need are Wall Mounted Indoor Pull up bars, Floor to ceiling balls, Speed balls, Timer/Wall Clocks, Speakers with aux cable, Medicine balls, Outdoor Showers, and a Solar Panel Lighting set up so we can use the gym through the winter months.

Just as importantly we'd love to fund the travel and living expenses of repeat volunteers: boxing and fitness coaches who we're starting to timetable in to share skills and time, setting up training alongside resident refugee coaches...

If, rather than money, you can directly donate much needed equipment/clothing, skills, time, publicity, etc, please email us...

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/calaisjungleboxingclub