Supporting Syrian Refugees-Reyhanlı

Hi!

We’re Banen Al-Sheemary and Karin Bashir working with a new community of Syrian refugees in the town of Reyhanli.

Reyhanli is located in Southern Turkey--just ten minutes from the Syrian border--and has become the first stop for many refugees fleeing armed violence in Syria. Most refugees in Reyhanli live in makeshift tents or in small cement spaces usually rented out for shops--similar to small garages. The community there lacks basic resources and the majority of refugees are living without heating and running water.

On December 15, 2014, a group of refugees created a temporary camp that houses hundreds of people. However, currently 400 refugees in this camp--half of them children--are without any resources to pay for proper shelter, food, medicine, or clothing.  Please note that they are not an official refugee camp due to the number of people registered at this camp (although more are pouring in). Winter is a dangerous time for displaced Syrians and has created dire living conditions. Funding from international organizations is running out for refugees and this camp, due to its small size, has failed to garner the attention of larger organizations willing to donate. They are placed in an even more vulnerable situation this season as they lack protection from rain and snow.

We are doing our best to collect resources as soon as possible to support refugees in living more secure and healthy lives. We hope to raise $2,500 to buy winter clothing and boots for residents. Your donation would go directly toward buying the winter gear. No administrative fees are included. The coordinator Karin Bashir and supporters will deliver the clothing and boots on February 4th, 2015. We ask that you donate to support the people of Reyhanli during these cold times.

The statistics of the registered refugees are below, with a focus on the children.

Sincerely,

Banen Al-Sheemary and Karin Bashir

*Goal has changed to $5,000, the requested goal by the Syrian refugees, because of the support we've been receiving! This will cover the costs for all children listed below. Please keep in mind that families are seeking refuge into this area every single day. Thank you! 

Females

1-6 Months: 8

7-11 Months: 3

1-3 Years: 24

4-6 Years: 37

7-8 Years: 21


Males

1-6 Months: 4

7-12 Months: 5

1-3 Years: 28

4-6 Years: 47

7-8 Years: 17


Total: 194