Richard Branson Praises Calais Refugee Camp's 'Entrepreneurial Spirit' With Life-Saving Innovations

Richard Branson has spoken of his admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit of people at The Jungle refugee camp in Calais, citing the extraordinary innovations there that save lives and alleviate discomfort there.
The Virgin tycoon told of the steps some have taken to ease their plight at the French camp where thousands live in squalid conditions after fleeing war, poverty and persecution.He said he was "shocked" to hear of the plans to demolish the southern zone of the camp, which could leave around 3,000 people homeless.

The innovations he praised include shops, a legal centre to help with asylum applications and dynamo bikes to charge phones.

One of the innovations can even save lives.

Writing on the Virgin website, Branson said: They also try to use the little resources they have to help others. I was inspired by the story of one Syrian refugee, Omar who uses his mobile phone to help save refugee lives in the Aegean Sea.

"His WhatsApp group provides weather reports and geo-tracking as refugees cross and calls the coast guard if they lose contact."

The legal centre at the camp helped win its first test case last month when four young refugees won the right to be reunited with their families in the UK.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/19/richard-branson-calais-refugees-camp_n_9271590.html?1455881999&utm_hp_ref=uk

has the billionaire branson coughed up any of his personal fortune to help out?