By Bejay Browne.
Volunteers at a Paphos charity are appealing for food and other products to help refugee families and individuals as donations have been hit hard.
“Our donations have dropped off a lot and it would be wonderful if people could help,” Wendy Burdon, of Caritas Paphos told the Paphos Post.
In addition, none of the refugees have money to purchase face masks, gloves, or any hand washes (in some cases even soap), wipes or antiseptic gel or liquid to clean anything or protect themselves, Rehab Al Habrat, who volunteers with both the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and Caritas, said.
“Any donations of these items, some of which I know can be hard to find at the moment, or antiseptic liquid so that they can add water and clean where they are staying, as well as food necessities would be welcome,” she said
Caritas help the poor and disadvantaged in the local community and are currently feeding dozens of refugee families in the town, who without their help would go without food. They also initiated ‘The Learning Refuge’ in central Paphos which aims to improve the lives of refugees by teaching them language skills and providing assistance wherever possible. As with other facilities in Cyprus, it is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Staples needed include pasta, rice, flour, lentils, beans and canned items such as tomatoes as well as oil are urgently needed. In addition sugar, shampoo and all sorts of toiletries are also needed.
People wishing to donate items may place them weekday mornings on a table which has been placed outside the Learning Refuge in Paphos, (following current coronavirus safety and movement measures). This is checked regularly and collections made, Rehab said.
To help or for more information : 99595385 or 99040294
The Learning Refugee: www.facebook.com/learningrefuge
