Since 2018, Wave has been running a community centre in Thessaloniki with a specific focus on people-on-the-move - asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented people. We offer a warm, nutritious meal to people regardless of their background, origin, or documentation status, along with showers, laundry facilities, a free shop, a charging station and access to wifi and computers. We are one of the few organisations in the city that doesn’t require registration or documentation to access our services.

RAMADAN

Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims worldwide, is just around the corner. Many of the communities we work in solidarity with at Wave will be observing this sacred period. During the 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from all food and drink. This practice, one of Islam’s central pillars, is a time for self-reflection, patience, compassion and community. Each day begins with Suhur, a pre-dawn meal, and ends with Iftar, a meal to break the fast at sunset traditionally starting with dates, water, soup and other nourishing foods. It’s a month of coming together to share meals, prayers and moments of connection.

Last Ramadan we raised €1,710 and served 4,378 meals, thanks to the generous donations of so many supporters. This year, we aim to raise €1,500 to help cover the rising costs of essential ingredients like dates, yogurt, meat and chicken.

On normal days we serve food for about 60 to 70 people, and during Ramadan the number of visitors always increases. With your support, we plan to prepare communal Iftar meals, including soups, main dishes, and desserts, as well as provide extra food for Suhur.

10kg of rice costs 18 EUR.

15 kg of Halal meat costs 150 EUR

10kg of dates costs 29 EUR

Many of the people who come to Wave live in precarious housing without access to running water or electricity, which makes these extra meals even more crucial. We’re also seeing more people from nearby camps and those who have received positive asylum decisions but are now cut off from state support. Wave is one of the only places everyone can come together during Ramadan and observe their traditions, making it a vital place for people to experience community during a special time when they are so far from home.

But we need your help to make this happen. Please consider donating to support our fundraiser and make Ramadan memorable for all the different communities we work in solidarity with. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help us reach our goal. Even sharing our fundraiser makes a big difference.

A warm thank you from everyone at Wave.