Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

02nd October 2016

From donating to a charity to volunteering – here are five ways that you can make a difference to the lives of refugees

Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

02nd October 2016

Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

02nd October 2016

1) Support Medecins Sans Frontieres

Every year, thousands of people fleeing violence, insecurity, and persecution at home attempt a treacherous journey via north Africa and across the Mediterranean to reach Europe. And every year, countless lives are lost on these journeys. The humanitarian agency, Medicines Sans Frontieres has rescue ships in the Mediterranean and are rescuing thousands a day.

2) Donate a percentage of Ebay Sales

Swap to charity arm Missionfish and you can donate 10%-100% of what you make from your Ebay sale to help refugees - look for Refugee Action.

3) Volunteer

Do you have skills to share? Check out the Refugee Council for volunteering opportunities.

4) Create a little gift

Watching the tragic events of 2015 unfold upon the beaches of Greece and spread through Europe, two women from Hastings felt they had to do something to help. Both Anna and Jane are very creative, who happen to be pretty handy with a needle and thread… and so the concept of sewing for the greater good was born. They teamed up with Hastings Supports Refugees, a group Jane had helped set up earlier in the year, to put on a bird making workshop. Birds are often seen as symbols of hope and peace and so they were the perfect choice of mascot. Volunteers rallied to make the tiny little birds, that are just big enough to fit in the palms and pockets of the refugee children and, hopefully, provide comfort as they make their long and difficult journeys to safety. The result of the workshop was a huge box of birds being sent off to Lesvos. And so the idea became A Bird in the Hand Project. As well as bird-making workshops, there are make-your-own kits, available to buy for £5. Order a kit or find out about workshops here.

5) Sign a petition

Tens of thousands of refugees are stranded in Greece. The International Rescue Committee is working to improve their standard of living and help them to recover as they await resettlement. The IRC is committed to working with the Greek government to improve conditions at existing housing sites and identify suitable alternatives. They aim to create more safe learning and healing spaces for children, offering them the opportunity to recover emotionally through play and learning. And are providing support networks for vulnerable women and offering education to people about the dangers posed by unscrupulous traffickers seeking to exploit refugees unable to legally continue their journey into Europe. Sign the petition and find out how to volunteer at rescue.org.

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