Lesvos Refugee Relief

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THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Friends! You may know that I have recently been working with humanitarian relief teams in Greece as refugees arrive on the north coast of Lesvos. Several of you have asked how you can get involved if you can't physically come to Greece to help out. 

I want to share a story that really impacted me and tell you how we can work together to help recently arriving refugees on they journey towards northern Europe.

At dawn on Thanksgiving Day, I looked over the water towards Turkey.  I could see at least 12 overcrowded rickety rubber boats - each carrying at least 50 people - mostly Syrian families - making the terryfying journey to the north coast of Lesvos. I'll never forget it. There were high winds and dangerous ocean currents. It's not uncommon for boats to capsize and for people to fall overboard. Many arrive soaking wet with only the clothes on their backs. They have left all their posessions behind. 
As the first boat met us on the shore, many were screaming as the boat had taken on water. Along with a group of volunteers, we helped the refugees off the boat. Most were soaking wet, cold and near hypothermic. A woman looked at me with desperation in her eyes and handed me her infant daughter to bring her safely to shore. She was scared, wet and shivering. We provided first aid, wrapped them both in thermal blankets, and gave them warm soup. This is just a small part of their journey from their homeland to northen Europe. The journey ahead will be just as difficult. 

The situation in Lesvos is desperate and with winter setting in, it will only get worse before it improves. 

The immediate need is to get people warm, dry, and safe as soon as they make landfall. I'm reaching out to friends to help provide some of the most needed items - warm dry clothes, survival blankets, rain ponchos, tents, sleeping bags, and rain tarps.

We are in the midst of the greatest humanitarian crisis of our generation. Millions of refugees are fleeing to Europe fuelled by conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East.

On December 16th, I will be returning to the island of Lesvos for ten days with a small team to work with local organizations providing direct-action humanitarian relief for Syrian refugees and refugee children as they move toward Europe.

Earlier this month, I worked with local NGO's in Lesvos to create a rapid needs assessment at informal camps where thousands of refugees arrive daily.

With the funds collected, we will help coordinate a protective environment for children and families as they arrive by sea and move into the camps. We will also also assist in setting up emergency shelters and distributing basic relief supplies.

Getting the new arrivals warm, dry, and appropriate medical attention is the highest priority. 

We can each make an enormous difference with just a small act of kindness. This Christmas season, let's work together to provide compassionate service and help alleviate the suffering of some of the thousands of refugees arriving in Greece daily.
Here is EXACTLY where your donations will go:

1. Warm dry clothes, survival blankets, rain ponchos, tents, sleeping bags, and rain tarps.
2. Hygiene kits, baby food, and diapers.
3. Diesel for a boat providing sea rescue services.

$10 = Hot Soup for 10 people.
$50 = Thermal Blankets for 50 people.
$100 = Dry clothes for 10 people. 
$200 = A tank of gas for an ocean rescue boat.

There is no overhead. I am paying my own expenses. 100% of your donation goes straight to refugees.

You will receive daily updates with how your donations are being spent as well as photos and videos of the beneficiaries of your generosity. 

Together, we can make a difference!