2015 Charity Projects
Given the partly dramatic situation of Syrian refugees and their visibility in Izmir urban landscape it was immediately clear to me that I would join IWAIs initiative to support Syrian refugees.
I had the chance to evaluate and choose myself which volunteer group I wanted to support with the funds I provided to IWAI. Izmir has many volunteer groups helping refugees. After meeting the founder of the group Aegean Refugee Aid, a Malaysian student here in Izmir, I decided to donate with his group. It is a loose affiliation of international students currently studying in Izmir going around Izmir and distribute items to needy Syrian refugees. One Sunday in November I joined their tour through Basmane and Kadife Kale as a volunteer. Upfront I purchased different goods that were needed like diapers, ladies hygienic pads, food etc. Together with about eight international students from Bolivia, US, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Palestine and two Syrian students we drove around the neighborhoods inhabited by Syrian refugees and handed out urgently needed hygienic items but also sweets to kids. It was wonderful to see smiles on their faces and to feel their gratefulness. If you wish to learn more about that group check under http://aegeanaidrefugee.com/
The other group of volunteers I decided to help is Caritas Izmir who also actively supports needy Syrian refugees living in Izmir. According to the needs of the refugees they purchase articles for their basic needs, like bags for kids to go to school and basic school equipment or blankets.
I am very happy to see that there are so many groups of volunteers in Izmir helping Syrians going through an extremely difficult period of their lives. It is amazing to see that among the volunteers there are also so many foreigners that feel compassionate with the refugees.
Julica Ortlinghaus
I had the chance to evaluate and choose myself which volunteer group I wanted to support with the funds I provided to IWAI. Izmir has many volunteer groups helping refugees. After meeting the founder of the group Aegean Refugee Aid, a Malaysian student here in Izmir, I decided to donate with his group. It is a loose affiliation of international students currently studying in Izmir going around Izmir and distribute items to needy Syrian refugees. One Sunday in November I joined their tour through Basmane and Kadife Kale as a volunteer. Upfront I purchased different goods that were needed like diapers, ladies hygienic pads, food etc. Together with about eight international students from Bolivia, US, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Palestine and two Syrian students we drove around the neighborhoods inhabited by Syrian refugees and handed out urgently needed hygienic items but also sweets to kids. It was wonderful to see smiles on their faces and to feel their gratefulness. If you wish to learn more about that group check under http://aegeanaidrefugee.com/
The other group of volunteers I decided to help is Caritas Izmir who also actively supports needy Syrian refugees living in Izmir. According to the needs of the refugees they purchase articles for their basic needs, like bags for kids to go to school and basic school equipment or blankets.
I am very happy to see that there are so many groups of volunteers in Izmir helping Syrians going through an extremely difficult period of their lives. It is amazing to see that among the volunteers there are also so many foreigners that feel compassionate with the refugees.
Julica Ortlinghaus