My husband Rich and I are in Athens this Easter, to continue our work of supporting refugee kids & families in dire need. We kindly ask for your generous support and donations once more. After the devastation of the recent Syria/Turkey earthquake, the need is higher and greater than ever: many of the poeple we have met along the way and over the years, are from the region in Syria most impacted by the earthquake. They have experienced the trauma of war, bombing, chemical warfare, disaplcement, racism, abandonment, and now this. How much more can people take?

As many of you know becasue you have so generously given before, Rich and I have been volunteering for 8 years now. It gives me great pain to state that the situation really has not changed: things are as bad as ever for our refugee friends. In many ways it's worse, as there are thousands and thousands of people who are not allowed to provide for themselves (by working), but also no longer supported financially (usually around 70 Euros a month) - they are literally begging for food, going through bins, and relying on hand outs from grass roots organisations such as the ones Rich and I are affiliated with:

- https://www.refugeebiriyanibananas.org/

- http://lovewithoutborders4refugees.com/

We will be based in Athens, working with homeless people and the most vulnerable refugees: families, children, older people, individuals, groups. We will be providing food, clothing, helping to renovate temporary accomodation so it is habitable, and most importantly, offering friendship, warmth, smiles and much needed eye contact. We will also be running art parties for children who don't get to go to school. This gives them a much needed opportunity to play, get messy, express themselves, feel a sense of achievement, socialise with other kids their age, and have fun!

We ask that you give what you can to support us on this mission. The funds we raise will be used directly to help the people we meet along the way in the form of food, clothes, art supplies and decorating supplies (paint etc). I promise you we will make sure it goes to good use, to those who need it far more than we do. I always say that even if you gave just £5 – practically the price of a takeaway cup of coffee these days – it will make a difference. (Of course please give more if you can!)

Thank you sincerely in advance. You can follow me on Instagram @positively_Leila for insights in to previous missions. And I'll post updates of our April 2023 trip there too.