April 30, 2020

COVID Lockdown at Ramadan in Chios, Greece

by Amber Ritson

A person hands a plastic bag filled with dates to another during Ramadan, while a child stands nearby—a simple gesture reminiscent of togetherness even during the COVID lockdown. | Support refugees across Europe in Greece, France, the UK and the Balkans

Our partners Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) are still in Chios and, despite the conditions and lockdown restrictions, are still helping. If they’re still on-the-ground, then we’re still here to support their work.

With the start of the holy month of Ramadan for all Muslim residents, Ruhi and the team - with our full support and a £3000 grant - ensured a bulk delivery of dates were delivered to trusted friends and volunteers living in Vial Camp. Inside the camp they will make sure the dates are fairly distributed.

RBB Founder & CEO says - “In a camp where food supplies are difficult we provided a bigger supply than we usually do so all people benefitted from something sweet and nutritious, as well as giving people the opportunity to follow customs of their religion if they are wanting to do so.

The dates were distributed equally between all residents from all backgrounds.

So far an incredible 1.5 tonnes of dates have been delivered to Vial Camp residents, with another 0.5-1 tonne depending on needs later this month!

Thank you to all donors and supporters for enabling us to provide lifelines to these most vulnerable people. Together we are making a difference.

A pallet stacked with boxes, wrapped in plastic, sits on a pallet jack in Chios, Greece. Refugee Biriyani & Bananas and Donate 4 Refugees logos appear in the bottom right corner—essential aid during Ramadan and the COVID lockdown. | Support refugees across Europe in Greece, France, the UK and the Balkans
Wearing gloves, a person holds a box of individually wrapped food portions during Ramadan; logos for Refugee Yan & Bananas and Donate4Refugees are visible, highlighting support in Chios, Greece amid the COVID lockdown. | Support refugees across Europe in Greece, France, the UK and the Balkans
A person holds several small plastic bags containing food while another wearing a blue glove reaches toward them; refugee aid logos and a mention of Ramadan are visible, capturing a moment of support in Chios, Greece during the COVID lockdown. | Support refugees across Europe in Greece, France, the UK and the Balkans
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