Louise Kiliç

Didim Syrian Box Appeal

JUST 31 days ago, a few of us had a Facebook conversation about the Syrian refugee situation in Turkey and the increasing volume of vulnerable civilians arriving across the border daily.

It was right around the time photos were emergıng: of fathers clinging to their children as safely arrived by boat onto beautiful beaches and mothers with expressions of relief as they realised they were finally safe. Pictures of babies and toddlers, scared and confused, hungry and exhausted.

As well as these pictures, we began to see posts from individuals on timelines and in groups. Negative comments and hurtful statements, words that seemed to omit that these refugees are people, people just like you and me.

People with lives and careers, people with hopes and dreams and futures, and most importantly people with families that they just want to keep safe.

We wondered where had humanity gone, and at which point in time had we as a race lost all compassion and empathy for fellow human beings. Our hearts were heavy.

We thought of our own children and the decisions we would make if it meant keeping them safe. The lengths we would go to, the things that we would do if it was a choice between life and death.

We wanted to help, we wanted to make a difference. The Didim Syrian Box Appeal was borne.

Within 24 hours, we set up a facebook group asking people to donate boxes containing non perishable food items and hygienic products. We gave a list of ideas but in short, the box could contain anything, providing it was sealed and labelled. We arranged drop off points across the Didim area.

Our strategy was clear from the beginning, we wouldn’t approach businesses, organisations or groups, instead giving people the choice to get on board in support or to choose not to.

Research began and we started contacting groups who have experience and knowledge of offering aid to the refugees as well as authorities to obtain accurate information regarding the Syrian refugees in Turkey.

In those first days we had a goal of 50 boxes, imagined that between our friends alone we would be able to achieve this.

We had absolutely no idea the response and support we would receive from people all over Turkey, as well as those in the UK and even America.

Within a short period of time it became clear this appeal was going to be bigger than each of us ever imagined possible. We were both overwhelmed and overjoyed.

The appeal finished last Wednesday and the response from every person involved has been absolutely amazing.

We have received donations of all shapes and sizes and the whole experience has been one that we will never forget.

People’s kindness and generosity has had us in tears and restored our faith in all that is good in the world.

There are no words that would be able to adequately express how grateful we all are for each and every person who has got involved and enabled us to make a difference to so many lives.

We have been through a rollercoaster of emotions and while the organisation and workload has been more than any of us had ever anticipated it has absolutely been worth every single moment. We will look back at this appeal in years to come and feel proud to have been able to be a part of something so special.

We look forward to being able to provide so many families with some form of relief no matter how great or small and are enthusiastic about being able to share the day with everyone through photographs and words.

In a world that often seems so full of injustice and cruelty, a world that seems to have lost its way and to have taken steps backwards in compassion and empathy, we have found light.

From each and everyone of us we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.