Inspiration Project: Refugee Aide
Donation protected
"How can I help the Refugees?" was one of the most searched phrases on the internet last year. I typed those words several times myself and although I was met with a list of potential ways to help - I did nothing.
When I surveyed friends and family about this they admitted to wanting to do something but their desire to help was stunted by the logistics. Where do I send the money? Do the refugees actually benefit from my donation? I just don't have the time to research which non-profit I trust? Will my donation make a real impact? These questions were roadblocks for a lot of people, including myself.
"I wish I could just go over there to help?" I said one day while having dinner with my 7 year old daughter. "Go!" she said. Her simple, confident solution was so full of unburdened hope it instantly inspired me. Five minutes later I began to plan our trip to Greece, one of the most popular landing points for refugees fleeing from Syria.
It was not an easy task and I was met with a lot of logistics and roadblocks, but the difference was I was inspired and surprisingly once I set the wheels into motion things began to fall into place.
"How can we help?"
After contacting local volunteers they informed me of the refugees' top needs. I also was pleasantly surprised that most airlines would allow us to bring extra humanitarian baggage full of these donations!
This July my family and I will travel from Los Angeles, California to Greece with suitcases full of humanitarian aide. We will spend five days distributing this aide directly to refugees that will be landing on their shores. This is their first stop on a long journey in search of a new home and security for their families.
Help us fill these bags and get them to Greece!
We will be working directly with local vounteers from an amazing organization called Carry the Future that has been distributing baby supplies to families, including baby carriers to help families carry their children on a journey that can often last years.
We will be including a personal note with every backpack full of aide that we will be giving out. Please send your messages along with your donation!
My family were refugees of a war that tore their country in two and forced them to flee their homes. They relied on the kindness of others when they arrived thousands of miles from home. 40 years later my parents still remember the people who helped them in their time of need. This is my opportunity to pay it forward.
This is your opportunity to say "Go!", I hope you take it.
Refugee camp where I am from in Cyprus in 1974
Refugee Camp in Lesbos , Greece 2015
How much should I donate?
Every dollar counts and I mean that. A bottle of fresh, clean, cold water is one of the greatest gifts a refugee can receive, and this only costs $1.
We are building backpacks for families that will hold the supplies they need to get them through a portion of their journey. I have been in contact with local volunteers who will be providing me with a list of items to include in each backpack depending on the current needs of the refugees. Here are some examples of what will go in a backpack and the cost.
Adult Backpack: basic toiletries, toilet paper, shampoo and soap, towlettes, socks, snacks and protein bars, water, sleeping bag, non-battery flashlight, rain gear etc
-$25
Child Backpack: Underwear, socks, snacks, a coloring book and crayons, blanket, water and rain gear. Children carry their own backpacks so we will make this one smaller and lighter.
-$25
Mother Backpack: A donated baby carrier from Carry the Future will be included with each backpack full of formula and bottles (breastfeeding moms will receive post natal vitamins) pouch-style baby food, diapers, baby wipes and feminine products.
-$25
A donation of $100 will help a family of four recieve some basic supplies to make it from Greece to their next destination usually 1500 miles.
Why give to you and not another Organization?
I planned this trip because I myself was unsure of who to donate to and felt that I wanted to know that my donation was going directly to the refugees. I promise I will make sure every penny you donate will go to buying aide and hand delivering it to a person in need. I will keep a blog about my trip for you to follow your donation from pocket to person.
However if you feel more comfortable donating directly to an organization - please do! I recommend Carry the Future a fantastic organization that I have been in close conatact with during my planning.
If you have lightly used or new baby carriers please send them to:
CTF BABY CARRIERS
121 W. Lexington Drive
Suite L 106D
Glendale, California 91203
Thank you for your support!
Johanna, William, Marianna (7) and Nyla (5)
When I surveyed friends and family about this they admitted to wanting to do something but their desire to help was stunted by the logistics. Where do I send the money? Do the refugees actually benefit from my donation? I just don't have the time to research which non-profit I trust? Will my donation make a real impact? These questions were roadblocks for a lot of people, including myself.
"I wish I could just go over there to help?" I said one day while having dinner with my 7 year old daughter. "Go!" she said. Her simple, confident solution was so full of unburdened hope it instantly inspired me. Five minutes later I began to plan our trip to Greece, one of the most popular landing points for refugees fleeing from Syria.
It was not an easy task and I was met with a lot of logistics and roadblocks, but the difference was I was inspired and surprisingly once I set the wheels into motion things began to fall into place.
"How can we help?"
After contacting local volunteers they informed me of the refugees' top needs. I also was pleasantly surprised that most airlines would allow us to bring extra humanitarian baggage full of these donations!
This July my family and I will travel from Los Angeles, California to Greece with suitcases full of humanitarian aide. We will spend five days distributing this aide directly to refugees that will be landing on their shores. This is their first stop on a long journey in search of a new home and security for their families.
Help us fill these bags and get them to Greece!
We will be working directly with local vounteers from an amazing organization called Carry the Future that has been distributing baby supplies to families, including baby carriers to help families carry their children on a journey that can often last years.
We will be including a personal note with every backpack full of aide that we will be giving out. Please send your messages along with your donation!My family were refugees of a war that tore their country in two and forced them to flee their homes. They relied on the kindness of others when they arrived thousands of miles from home. 40 years later my parents still remember the people who helped them in their time of need. This is my opportunity to pay it forward.
This is your opportunity to say "Go!", I hope you take it.
Refugee camp where I am from in Cyprus in 1974Refugee Camp in Lesbos , Greece 2015How much should I donate?
Every dollar counts and I mean that. A bottle of fresh, clean, cold water is one of the greatest gifts a refugee can receive, and this only costs $1.
We are building backpacks for families that will hold the supplies they need to get them through a portion of their journey. I have been in contact with local volunteers who will be providing me with a list of items to include in each backpack depending on the current needs of the refugees. Here are some examples of what will go in a backpack and the cost.
Adult Backpack: basic toiletries, toilet paper, shampoo and soap, towlettes, socks, snacks and protein bars, water, sleeping bag, non-battery flashlight, rain gear etc
-$25
Child Backpack: Underwear, socks, snacks, a coloring book and crayons, blanket, water and rain gear. Children carry their own backpacks so we will make this one smaller and lighter.
-$25
Mother Backpack: A donated baby carrier from Carry the Future will be included with each backpack full of formula and bottles (breastfeeding moms will receive post natal vitamins) pouch-style baby food, diapers, baby wipes and feminine products.
-$25
A donation of $100 will help a family of four recieve some basic supplies to make it from Greece to their next destination usually 1500 miles.
Why give to you and not another Organization?
I planned this trip because I myself was unsure of who to donate to and felt that I wanted to know that my donation was going directly to the refugees. I promise I will make sure every penny you donate will go to buying aide and hand delivering it to a person in need. I will keep a blog about my trip for you to follow your donation from pocket to person.
However if you feel more comfortable donating directly to an organization - please do! I recommend Carry the Future a fantastic organization that I have been in close conatact with during my planning.
If you have lightly used or new baby carriers please send them to:
CTF BABY CARRIERS
121 W. Lexington Drive
Suite L 106D
Glendale, California 91203
Thank you for your support!
Johanna, William, Marianna (7) and Nyla (5)Organizer
Johanna Voutounou
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA