The Al-Imdaad Foundation is increasing its presence in southern Europe to provide emergency relief to refugees travelling from war-torn countries.
Over the past week, the charity has provided aid to thousands of refugees, mostly Syrian, but also Iraqi, Afghani and other nationalities crossing into Europe in a desperate quest for survival.
This round of distributions was made possible with generous donations from Iqraa Trust, South Africa.
With the current escalation of the refugee crisis in Europe, Al-Imdaad Foundation teams first responded in September with distributions in Austria and Hungary.
In October the teams set out on a second round of distributions on behalf of Iqraa Trust to assist refugees in four countries with vital emergency supplies.
On Friday, October 2 the teams departed for Lesvos Island in Greece, one of the key access points for refugees taking boats from Turkey into Europe.
The teams continued over the weekend and much of the following week with the distribution of thousands of sleeping bags as well as daily food parcels and fresh fruit to the refugees.
The teams also assisted with the rescue of Syrian refugees along the Island’s coast and were astounded at the constant influx of refugees taking flimsy vessels across the waters.
In the first day of their operations, some 3 000 refugees entered the Kara Tepe camp where they were operating.
Country Director for Al-Imdaad UK, Abdussamad Mulla said: “Our global offices are working together around the clock to help the refugees.
“Many refugees are suffering from colds, diarrhoea, dehydration, blisters and sunburn due to combined effects of sea travel and weather.
“The refugees are now in desperate need of support and relief. Under the supervision of the Head of Mission for Lesvos and in coordination with UNHCR and the Greek authorities, Al-Imdaad Foundation will be distributing 10 000 sleeping bags over the next 6 weeks as well as up to 1 200 food packs per day.”
On Wednesday, October 7 the teams made their way to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that has been seeing thousands of border crossings each day.
Thursday and Friday saw activities at the Gevgelija Transit Camp near the Greek border with Macedonia.
The camp sees a staggering number of refugees passing through it each day on their way westwards into mainland Europe.
Al-Imdaad Foundation’s Sufyaan Valimulla said that the teams had been distributing food packs and raincoats to the almost 10 000 refugees at the camp.
The seasons are shifting in the region with the expectation of colder, wetter weather that will compound the difficulties of the refugees, many of whom are forced to stay out in the open.
With thousands entering each day, the facilities are stretched and resources limited.
For the many child refugees in this situation, the experience is especially tragic and any support is greatly appreciated.
The teams will also be heading into Serbia and Albania in a bid to address the needs of refugees in different phases of their journeys.
In addition to Al-Imdaad Foundation’s emergency aid work in Europe, the organisation has also offered support to local councils in the UK with the upcoming arrival of refugees.
As well as offering to provide practical items such as food, Al-Imdaad Foundation will also provide cultural support by assisting new arrivals with their transition into everyday UK life.
The Al-Imdaad Foundation has not set an end date to its relief efforts in Europe – and has vowed to continue helping refugees for however long as is required.
We appeal to members of the public to support this cause.
To support the Al-Imdaad Foundation’s response to the refugee crisis or for more information on this and other projects please contact 0861 786 243 or visit www.alimdaad.com www.alimdaad.co.uk www.alimdaad.org.au
