Solidarity Symi Saturday Update

Jane Keevil and her friends have been collecting items in Datcha (Turkey) for the last week or so. Donations made by Turkish, ex-pats, and holidaymakers. Plus new items from the local market.  On Thursday they brought them to Symi on the boat ‘Bora’. There must have been 30 or so bags, cases, and rucksacks. Clothing, toiletries, toys, shoes. All kinds. They gave too a sizeable cash donation that had been collected. They have also been helping at the old post office all day sorting what had arrived. Their kindness to help has been amazing. And they told us there is likely to be more from Datcha too. THANK YOU JANE and FRIENDS! — with Jane Keevill. (From our Facebook Page)

Refugee mothers and children taking time out to play on the see-saw in the children's playground in the town square, Yialos. A welcome interlude of normality for children whose lives have been seriously disrupted.

Refugee and local families playing in the children's playground in Yialos.  Once refugees have received their travel papers and are free to travel they are no longer required to remain in the proximity of the police station or coast guard and can go shopping, take the children to the playground, enjoy a meal in a taverna and pass the time until the boat comes. There is always an air of elation when people have reached this stage as they have completed another milestone in the long road to a safe life in Europe.

It is Saturday morning and relatively quiet on Symi as many refugees were able to leave on the Blue Star Diagoras for Pireus last night.  We don't know how many will arrive this weekend - or when. The police, port authorities and relief centre have to be ready to cope with whatever comes our way.  Cash donations are particularly welcome at the moment so that we can buy food, water, nappies and other items that may be required at short notice.  Many thanks to all of you who have given so kindly and generously in so many ways.

Have a good weekend.

Regards,
Adriana