We came to know of Ramzi through our Sport For Good initiative and our partners Care4Calais, who first met him sleeping rough in Maximillian Square in Brussels, and then again, a year later sleeping in the makeshift jungle in Calais. It was on the second meeting they remember him helping unload, organise, and distribute warm clothing and sleeping bags to the 400 asylum seekers in the park, translating people's needs.
It was so cold that they feared for people sleeping and not waking up, which tragically happens. They lit a fire to keep warm and sat up all night talking as a group. That night, Ramzi told them his story and how he sadly lost his brother who had died crossing the Channel.
When they delivered his brother's Death Certificate, Goods For Good had provided two footballs donated by Nike which they took. They pumped them up together and Ramzi told them that twice a week he plays football with some of the refugee children in the hostel to get them outside and active. When we had finished we asked if we could take a picture of him with the footballs. Here he is; Ramzi, three years on from when we first met him, his brother's death certificate in his left pocket, two footballs at his feet, and a positive plan for the afternoon. Dignity, determination and resilience personified.
Help us support more people like Ramzi
From fundraising to volunteering, there are various ways you can help us support more vulnerable people in need, like Ramzi.
Every donation matters; whether you decide to make a one-off donation or pledge a monthly gift, we promise that the donation you make to Goods For Good will be used to send life-changing essentials to vulnerable people in need. When you set up a regular donation to Goods For Good, you become part of the long-term work that supports society's most vulnerable.
Keep in touch
Join our community and receive news and updates from the Goods For Good headquarters.