Urgent Help to Souda Camp in Greece
Donation protected
Yesterday was a very hard day for me. I needed some time off to process what is going on in the camp. A heavy storm woke me up at 4am. The first thought I had was: 'I hope people in the camp who sleep in tents are safe'. I had a hard time falling back to sleep. When I got to the camp in the morning I found out that many tents got destroyed, people's belongings got soaked and they needed our help to get them dry clothes. I saw sadness and helplessness in these men's eyes. They were sitting on the curb with tears in their eyes hoping they would be able to get a dry tent.
A few other men asked me if they could get some specific clothing items. I cannot even imagine how it must feel for a man in their culture to ask western women for clothes. Some older barefoot man asking for shoes. They are shy to ask and I don't want to make them feel rejected. I feel upset at this situation, that there is no dignifying distribution system set up yet, and that people are stranded for months in these inhumane conditions.
2 boats arrived last night with about 110 new refugees and our camp surpassed its capacity by about 400 people.
We are helping with food distribution and have kids activities but we are also being asked for pampers, clothes, strollers, bags, help with translations, and lifeguard duty. We need more volunteers and more money in order to be able to continue to provide in the best way we can. This is the 4th camp I work in and the camp that needs the most help. Big NGOs are leaving the island and it is crucial to keep supporting refugees. I've never in my life felt so convinced that this is the place that needs my help. It is the first time I organize a crowdfunding page. If you cannot come volunteering with us but your heart tells you to help please contribute. All funds will go directly to residents of Souda camp on Chios island, Greece.
Thank you for all support, friends. Please share this link with people who would like to help. The goal of 3000usd I set for this campain will never be enough to cover all necesities in the camp. It will be a drop in the ocean :-) However that little drop will help a bit in these extremely hard living conditions.
A few other men asked me if they could get some specific clothing items. I cannot even imagine how it must feel for a man in their culture to ask western women for clothes. Some older barefoot man asking for shoes. They are shy to ask and I don't want to make them feel rejected. I feel upset at this situation, that there is no dignifying distribution system set up yet, and that people are stranded for months in these inhumane conditions.
2 boats arrived last night with about 110 new refugees and our camp surpassed its capacity by about 400 people.
We are helping with food distribution and have kids activities but we are also being asked for pampers, clothes, strollers, bags, help with translations, and lifeguard duty. We need more volunteers and more money in order to be able to continue to provide in the best way we can. This is the 4th camp I work in and the camp that needs the most help. Big NGOs are leaving the island and it is crucial to keep supporting refugees. I've never in my life felt so convinced that this is the place that needs my help. It is the first time I organize a crowdfunding page. If you cannot come volunteering with us but your heart tells you to help please contribute. All funds will go directly to residents of Souda camp on Chios island, Greece.
Thank you for all support, friends. Please share this link with people who would like to help. The goal of 3000usd I set for this campain will never be enough to cover all necesities in the camp. It will be a drop in the ocean :-) However that little drop will help a bit in these extremely hard living conditions.
Organizer
Salome Hagar
Organizer
Beverly Hills, CA
