By Nick Powell | Communications Officer
Our team at Lighthouse Relief would like to thank all who have donated to help us raise over $20,000 on GlobalGiving! Your generosity has enabled the LHR team on Lesvos and in Ritsona refugee camp to continue providing essential support services over the summer months with the help of our dedicated volunteers.
Since the start of 2019, the Lighthouse Relief emergency response team on the north shore of Lesvos has supported 2,970 new arrivals in over 70 separate operations. With warmer temperatures and calmer seas, there has been an influx of boats and suspected smuggler vessels which has made July our busiest month in the north of the island since early 2016. Our spotting points at Lepetimnos and cape Korakas have played a vital role, spotting 11 crossings to the north shore last month. This allows for the 'Mo Chara' search and rescue vessel as well as authority vessels to conduct safe interceptions on the water. Meanwhile, our landing team is quick to respond once notification has been sent by our spotters, and are on scene to provide basic humanitarian aid.
Our team of volunteers have been undergoing constant training to adapt their skillset to a new set of challenges due to the changing weather, as many new arrivals suffer from dehydration and heat stroke. We have also been leading improvements in both of our transit facilities to ensure they are fully equipped and stocked with clothes suitable for temperatures above 30 degrees.
On mainland Greece, the Lighthouse Relief team in Ritsona refugee camp have been providing residents with the opportunity to attend a variety of new workshops and creative projects in both the CFS and YES spaces. In June, with guidance from a LHR volunteer, a group of youths were involved in a short film project which encouraged them to use their imagination while learning about the art of filmmaking. Visit our Facebook page to watch the video!
The LHR facilities hosted a range of activities to mark the end of Ramadan and the conclusion of the school year. Both youth and their parents to join celebrations arranged by our staff and resident volunteers. Children in our CFS also enjoyed performances from Clowns Without Borders and the Flying Seagull Project, who entertained the audience with a series of plays and dances which led to laughter and singing from all involved.
The 9th edition of the Ritsona Kingdom Journal is well underway, with residents contributing artwork, photos and writing which will be published in the magazine at the end of the month. The RKJ is an opportunity for the youth of Ritsona to demonstrate their creativity and resilience and is made possible through donations we receive from our fundraisers on GlobalGiving.
On Lesvos and in Ritsona, your generous donations have enabled us to continue supporting those seeking a safe haven in Europe. As summer brings more challenges for our team, we need your support to ensure we can continue with improvements and remain fully equipped to provide our vital programming in Greece.
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