Volunteering for Humanitarian crisis Greece 2016

Supplies and medical equipment for Refugee camps in Greece.

As a Humanitarian Nurse I travelled to Greece last year and volunteered during the refugee crisis.

I cannot even begin to describe the images that I saw and the stories of amazing courage from ordinary people, like you or me, fleeing for their lives from war torn Syria and surrounding countries. I saw injuries sustained from explosions, shrapnel wounds, cuts and saw people die. Dozens of children drowned attempting the journey to cross the Aegean in rubber boats. Other children were orphaned after losing both parents whilst fleeing to safety. I was present for the first border closure on the border of Greece and Yugoslavia. Since then 80 000 Refugees are displaced in Greece. A country already burdened by its own financial crisis, it now has thousands of Refugees to accommodate and care for.

At present the larger refugee camps are mostly run by volunteers and Non-Government Organisations (NGO's), and are very basic. Amenities, cooking facilities, and sleeping arrangements are sub-standard and the situation is going to worsen with winter approaching.

There are several smaller camps spread throughout Greece that have had no medical assistance to date, have little to no amenities and there is a threat of disease outbreak.

The plan: I will return to Greece and visit one or two of the smaller camps that I have been communicating with that have not been supported by NGO's. With funds raised I will purchase much needed supplies from local Greek shops, to support Greece at a local level, and liaise with the camp for distribution. I will assess other requirements such as medical needs and other issues that have arisen whilst I am there. All receipts will be kept for proof of purchase and regular updates will be sent to those supporting and that have donated.

URGENT supplies needed: Medication; medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches and wound dressings; nappies, baby bottles and formula; toilet paper and sanitary pads; shampoo, conditioner and soap; washing detergent for clothes and dishes; disinfectant for cleaning and garbage bags. Basic items that we take for granted that would make the world of difference to the underprivileged.

With gratitude for your support,

Helen Zahos