Amidst the chaos of the worst humanitarian crisis of our time, in the valiant efforts of aid organisations to help with the very basic needs (medicine, food, shelter), one very important need gets overlooked - fun and happiness for the children.
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The kids in these refugee camps are the silent sufferers, they have witnessed incredible darkness, in many cases, they have seen parents or siblings drowning on the perilous journey to Europe. They have, in short, lost their innocence. And despite the incredible work of many volunteers on the ground providing aid, the refugee camps are very dark, bleak, heavy places.

The Flying Seagull Project are a clown troupe who travel around refugee camps, bringing a circus tent, treasure boxes of magic tricks, musical instruments, and infectious silliness and laughter.

For these children of all ages, many of whom are deeply traumatized, to escape into play acting, imaginary happier worlds, music, and laughter, even for half an hour, is invaluable. I have not yet been out to the camps, but I have heard first- hand accounts from the other volunteers of toughened teenage boys, pretending at first not to be interested in the clown games, only for glimpses of their former innocence to return, as they ask to be included in a game, or to have a turn with the juggling balls. They can be kids again for a while.

Personally, having wanted to volunteer at a refugee camp for ages, when I stumbled across the Flying Seagulls, I immediately knew this is where my abilities would be best deployed. Namely, the ability to be a drama queen, and an oversized 5 year old (turns out in clown land, these are abilities!! :), whilst hopefully making a difference to these children's lives.

I know many people care about the refugee crisis, and not everyone is in a position to physically volunteer, in person. So if you feel you can donate something (any amount is much appreciated) towards my journey to Thessaloniki, thank you very very much. xxx