Mar Vista man Michael Soehner will travel to Chios, Greece on Dec. 15 to work with people who have fled their country from violence and persecution, and he needs your help.
“The refugee crisis has taken a turn for the worst on the island of Chios,” Soehner said in a statement. “The European Union and the local Greek government continues to try to make it difficult for refugees that are fleeing their war-torn countries- but they keep coming. So far, in just November alone- 600 people arrived onto the tiny Greek island. Winter is here and people are living in tents without heating, electricity, with very few toilets and any edible food is being rationed. These people have been forgotten- Almost all NGO’s have left the island and donations have trickled down to a minimum.”
Soehner and partner Tara McColeman will spend the Christmas holidays in Chios, away from their families, helping the men, women and children that are stuck in Europe while, according to Soehner, the politicians decide their fate.
“I will be working in The Chios People’s Kitchen, this is a well-run and efficient kitchen,” Soehner said. “It has an incredible crew of a few young refugees from various countries. They are determined to ensure that those most vulnerable: the very young and very old people have a healthy and nutritious meal. There are approximately 120 children, and 10 families- that are currently benefiting from this kitchen. This crew is helping deal with the traumas of war- they volunteer in the kitchen to help with their own PTSD and cook for everyone and anyone- Not everyone who volunteers speak the same language, but through food its universal.”
Soehner and McColeman are aiming to raise $5,000, and the pair will match the amount dollar for dollar up to $5,000.
Here how to donate:
To receive a U.S. tax receipt, online:
Visit liftinghandsinternational.org/donate (enter the
amount, click the drop-down menu below, and choose “CPK Chios support”)
By check:
Make check out to “Lifting Hands International” and mail to: Lifting Hands
International, 3491N Arizona Avenue, Unit 2, Chandler, AZ 85225 – USA; mention:
“for Chios People’s Kitchen.”
No tax credit
Make check out to “Michael Soehner” and mail to: Michael Soehner, 4220
Glencoe Ave., Suite 150, Los Angeles, CA 90292
Cash donations are also welcome.
GoFundMe: gofundme.com/refugeeschios
To learn more about the organizations and groups, check out:
Chios People’s Kitchen facebook.com/chiospeopleskitchen
Chios (local) Solidarity Group facebook.com/groups/1508309029486384
BAAS baas-schweiz.ch
FEOX facebook.com/FEOX-rescue-team-1584119558539350 (run by locals)