By Christianna Vaso | Communications and Development Officer
Lighthouse Relief just turned nine-years, prompting us to reflect on nearly a decade of striving to inject dignity and compassion into Greece’s refugee response.
When our founding volunteers formed Lighthouse Relief in September 2015 it was out of an imperative to respond to the sudden arrival of thousands of refugees reaching the shores of Lesvos via unseaworthy vessels embarking from Turkey. Nearly everyone was fleeing the escalating war in Syria.
Neither our founders nor anyone else expected that tens of thousands of people would continue to seek safety in Europe (largely via Greece) from a growling list of countries experiencing violent conflict and natural as well as man-made disasters every year for the foreseeable future.
Yet as this reality became clear, Lighthouse Relief adapted and stepped up to meet the changing needs of people seeking safe harbor.
From our “Stage 1” camp on Lesvos to the safe spaces we ran in Ritsona and other official and makeshift camps around Greece, we have stood in solidarity with people striving to rebuild their lives. Every decision has been based on our commitment to putting the needs of the people we serve first, upholding human dignity, and proving ourselves worthy of trust, respect, and partnership.
This remain true today. It underpins our ongoing provision of mental health and psychosocial for children and teens living in Ritsona camp through Sports4Hope and our plans to find new ways to address prevalent food insecurity and other pressing needs.
As we embark on our tenth year, we face more hostility and less available funding. Nevertheless, we remain determined not to let down the families who have come to rely our support. Together, we will keep pushing forward, guided by the same spirit of compassion and hope that began on the cliffs of Skala Sikamineas.
Thank you for standing by our side throughout this journey. It’s hard to find the words to express our deep gratitude to the thousands of volunteers who built and kept Lighthouse alive and to everyone who supported us from afar, spreading awareness, sending donations, or boxes of clothes and shoes — we are forever thankful.
In solidarity,
Lighthouse Relief
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