At the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) annual conference, firefighter delegates from across the UK united in a unique display of solidarity for a humanitarian cause. The FBU, known for its tradition of fighting against injustice and oppression, took a novel fundraising approach this year, selling specially designed T-shirts to raise funds for the charity Care4Calais.

The solidarity T-shirts, featuring the famous Paddington Bear, proved highly popular among the delegates, nearly selling out in only two days. The sales resulted in a generous donation of over £1,700 to Care4Calais, a charity dedicated to assisting refugees.

FBU National Officer orchestrates initiative

FBU National Officer, Tam McFarlane, orchestrated this fundraiser. He expressed the FBU’s long-standing practical support for Care4Calais, saying that numerous FBU officials have “first-hand experience of the vital work” done by the charity. He continued by expressing the firefighters’ proud history of humanitarian support and how this initiative was “another expression of FBU solidarity.”

He summarised his hopes for the future, stating that he wanted the initiative to inspire FBU members to “find out more about the work of Care4Calais and offer them practical support and solidarity.”

Care4Calais CEO Extends Thanks to FBU

Steve Smith MBE, CEO of Care4Calais, thanked the FBU for their support, praising FBU members’ commitment to their communities and their readiness to show solidarity with some of the world’s most vulnerable people. He said: “Care4Calais is proud to work with the FBU” and that they are “eternally grateful for their unwavering support.”

He further commented on the popularity of the special edition T-shirts, suggesting they symbolised FBU members’ commitment to a: “fair and just world where all human beings are treated with dignity.” He assured that the funds raised would make a significant difference to the refugees supported by Care4Calais.