Clothing and food for refugees

What would I do to save my family?  I've asked myself this question almost every day since I've become involved in helping the refugees arriving on Lesvos.  What would my family look like after losing everything, how would I cope not knowing how to feed my kids, where they will sleep, or how to make their life normal again.  What would it be like to leave my whole world behind and never return to my cozy little home here in Vancouver.   I've never seen my family mutilated, killed, or tortured - bombs have never fallen on my home and forced me to make this decision.  If I ever had to save my family, I would hope that as I do everything in my power to keep them alive, someone would help me along the way. 

Hundreds of independent volunteers from around the world have made their way to Greece (and many other countries) to help the millions of refugees fleeing war.  In December, frustrated at feeling so helpless, I jumped in and joined a few others that just wanted to do something to help.  I became part of a small family of people from around the world helping move needed supplies to the camps that care for the refugees.  I also worked in these camps and saw first hand, the humanity in our world - everyone had come on their own dime and gave up their own vacation to care for others in need.  I've never felt more love in one place. 

I've spent every weekend helping coordinate supplies to camps and now our little Marhacar family is looking to help other camps in mainland Greece.  So I'm headed back to help and I know my circle of family and friends are always the first to ask "how can I help?"  I'm self funding my travel but there is always a huge need for food and clothing - every little bit helps.  Children go for days without food and many refugees are sleeping in the streets.  Even though I can't house these families myself, if I can at least offer a blanket and some bit of relief, that is more than doing nothing.  Every dime I raised last time went toward clothing and feeding hungry families - everything was handed out and love was exchanged.  Each item I hand out will not only give someone relief, it will be a gesture that releases love and peace out unto the universe.

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." - Dalai Lama

#onelove - Jerin