My name is Marie O'Donoghue and I am heading back to work in the refugee camps on Lesvos for the 3rd time on March 1st. 2019. The people in the camps have survived horrendous journeys to get this far and many  are still suffering the effects of the traumas of their experiences in their home country, the journey, the separation from home and families;mental and physical illness,  and, particularly for those in Moria camp, the shocking conditions in which they are forced to live.
I work with Movement on the Ground- a Dutch organisation which has been supporting refugees on Lesvos since 2015 trying to improve general living conditions and empowering the residents.  Among it's  activities MOTG provides solar power; distributes clothing; maintains the cooking facilities; provides educational opportunities and organises sports training, activities and social events. 
Days can be long with volunteers typically working up to 10 hours per day 6 days a week  and later hours on particular days when we have social events. The work can be both physically and emotionally exhausting but the camaraderie between volunteers of all ages and all nationalities and the long lasting relationships developed with the residents make it all worthwhile.  There is no sense that we are saving the world but a hope that we are making life a little bit better for the camp residents.
So how will your donation be used? Each time I have been there we have run out of clothing items such as shoes, baby clothes and underwear and we  can always  do with more Art materials for classes with unaccompanied minors or funding to improve our computers or English class materials. Sometimes  events occur which need immediate financial support -for instance last month one of the tents in the Olive Grove burned down and new blankets, mattresses, clothes etc. had to be found for the 50 guys who had been living in the tent.

I am hoping to raise €2300 to use as follows. €200 will go to MOTG to support ongoing projects and I will spend €1600 on the ground in the camps on Lesvos on whatever is in need while I am there. It would be great to have all donations prior to March 1st so I can begin to organise the purchase of items as soon as I arrive on Lesvos.
Prior to this trip I have always paid for all my flights, accommodation and living expenses myself but this time, as I am staying for 2 months, I would like to raise €500 towards my accommodation which will probably cost between €1100 and €1400. I will pay all other costs myself.

I will be so grateful for any monies I receive and only wish that those of you who do support my campaign could be there to see the  excitement on a young child's face when they get to discard a battered pair of too small shoes and put on a brand new pair of sneakers- or see the smile of delight of a mum choosing baby clothes for her tiny baby born in the camp.  These small things make a big difference  so please help make that difference. Someone once said 'We cannot change the whole world but we can change someone's whole world'.
A heartfelt thanks to everyone.