Oxford Mail readers have been reacting to a county council proposal to set up an Amazon wishlist for Afghanistan refugees.
While some readers welcomed the suggestion, others said they were opposed to it and would look after their own families first.
The wishlist would be set up for the purpose of enabling people in Oxfordshire to donate very specific items to the refugees.
A number of refugees are currently in temporary accommodation in the county having previously been in Covid quarantine after their initial arrival.
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JASON ATHERTON: “No thanks need to look after my family first.”
LYNDA FELLOWS: “Absolutely not – look after our own.”
JANE WALSH: “Charity starts at home sorry.”
AMY MORRIS: “If I could afford to, most definitely I’d help.”
JULIE JOHNSON: “I assume you will do the same for our homeless, including our veterans.”
ALISON JONES: “Such a good idea. I would rather donate something that is needed than just dumping stuff I no longer need on to people.
“These people worked for or alongside our government and armed forces, they risked their lives for us and many are still fearful of being tracked down by Taliban supporters.
“Please people stop the hate, if you don’t want to donate fine, but don’t be horrible, they are human beings.”
JACKIE BROWN: “I hope there is a donation fund for our own homeless people too.”
MICK DELANEY: “Jackie Brown why don’t you start one! Helping people is a good thing, but making a difference when someone really needs help should be the least any human should do! These people have suffered unbearable and unbelievable pain, I know let’s knock them instead of the governments for not helping homelessness etc.”
STACEY BROWN: “Jackie Brown Google how many charities there are for the homeless.”
BERNADETTE KELLY: “There have always been homeless charities. Have you not realised before, as you stroll past the homeless giving them nothing?”
DEBBIE JONES: “Sorry but my own come first, so no thank you.”
SUSIE TAYLOR: “Just put yourself in their position, then think.”
PHIL EVANS: “There’s enough of our own people that need help and rehousing.”
LUKE STRATFORD: “Judging by the comments on here I’m very confused as to why there is still a large number homeless people in Oxford when it seems like 90% of people feel we should be helping our own homeless people first. Go on then.”
KELLY TOMBS: “We can barely afford things for our own family. Can you help me if I put a wishlist up? The answer to that would be no.”
JOAN DENTON: “Absolutely not family comes first.”
LUKE STRATFORD: “Joan Denton fair enough, let’s just hope if this country ever goes to war and you have to take your family to another country in order to survive they will help you out?”
TERESA HOGAN: “I’ve got my own Amazon wishlist thanks.”
GAIL TRIVETT: “Sorry but that’s a no. I struggle to put food on the table as it is and with National Insurance going up next year it will be even harder.”
SUE PARNELL: “Why does it have be an Amazon wishlist? I’ve seen no end of people willing to donate. Why isn’t there a donation list, someone might have what’s on there! What on earth could they require from Amazon that’s specialist or am I being silly?”
STEVEN LAZARUS: “I think some of you need to go and meet these people. Your lack of empathy is gut wrenching.”
TRACEY WOODS: “No sorry. Not until we can look after our own homeless. I mean those that sailed into Dover on dinghies have been housed in hotels and still complain.”
JO RICHARDSON: “I hope that the UK never has to look to other countries for help in the future.
“These people most likely had homes, jobs and families in their country and are probably not thrilled at being here.
“How would you feel if you lost everything and were moved?”
GEORGIE SANDWELL: “Jo Richardson If they had no plan on moving what they doing here then, no one forced them to come here.”
LAURA NEWMAN: “Jo Richardson only this country accepts values, religions, beliefs from other countries.”
