Solidarity Symi - Mid-Week Update




The many hundreds of Syrian refugees who passed through Symi last week are now on their way, having found places on ferries on Monday.  After a brief lull with only 28 people on the island yesterday, 100 new arrivals are being brought round to the police station now for processing.  If anyone reading this is on the island and can spare an hour or two to help out at the relief centre in the old post office, please call Wendy on +30 6945 822 896.

On a more immediate note, funds collected in our collection boxes on the island are used to provide daily necessities such as food, water and medicines.  We work on a budget of 2.50 euros per person per day for food and water which is quite a tight budget but if you think about it, that means that for today's arrivals we will be spending 250 euros per day for their sustenance until they are able to leave.  If you can donate even 10 euros you are providing food and water for 4 people for a day so any donation, no matter how modest, helps.

If you use Facebook and follow our page, we post our daily requirements as needed so that people on the island know what is needed such as Pampers (baby's nappies), men's shorts and so on.   The more people can donate these kinds of items, the further the cash donations go.

The on line collection http://www.everyclick.com/solidaritysymi/info reached its initial goal within a week and a new target has been set. Funds raised this way will be used to improve reception facilities and infrastructure such as toilets, showers, sleeping mats and shade.  As we move into winter additional shelter and bedding will also be needed.

Thank you very much for your support and generosity. We cannot solve the problems of the world or bring peace to the Middle East but we can all do our part to alleviate distress as much as it is within our capabilities to do so.

Adriana on behalf of
Wendy Wilcox and Andrew Davies
Solidarity Symi


Jad Adams –   – (Wednesday, August 26, 2015)  

Best of luck. We are doing similar work on Leros with the Leros Solidarity Network. Some 3000 arrived this month. Bad weather for a couple of days has given us a respite - no crossings. Julie Peakman's Facebook page is regularly updated on the situation here. Jad Adams

Kimberly Schwede  – (Thursday, August 27, 2015)  

Hello! I'm traveling thru Turkey and Greece now and would love to visit Symi and help in person. I witnessed the refugees firsthand on Kos which was heartbreaking. Please contact me: kimschwede@yahoo.com

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About this Blog

I sailed into Panormitis Bay, Symi, by chance one windy July day in 1993 and have been here ever since. The locals tell me that this is one of the miracles of St Michael of Panormitis. A BA graduate with majors in English, Philosophy and Classical Civilisation, the idea of living in what is to all intents and purposes an archaeological site appeals to me. Not as small as Kastellorizo, not as touristy as Rhodes, Symi is just the right size. I live on a small holding which my husband and I have reclaimed from a ruin of over-grazing and neglect and turned into a small oasis over the course of the past 22 years. I also work part-time for Symi Visitor Accommodation, helping independent travellers discover and enjoy Symi's simple pleasures for themselves.

This page is kindly sponsored by Wendy Wilcox, Symi Visitor Accommodation.


Adriana Shum

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