Ross charity appeal to aid Syrian refugees
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ROSS-SHIRE relief charity Blythswood Care has launched an appeal for funds to feed Syrian refugees in Serbia.
While the focus of media attention has been on Hungary, the Evanton-based charity has been helping refugees through its long-established contacts in the Balkans.
Blythswood’s head of projects Finlay Mackenzie said: "Two weeks ago we gave £1,500 to Blythswood Serbia to buy flour for Syrians who had just arrived in Presevo. But with 2,500 refugees in that one town clearly it’s nowhere near enough.
"Having had bad experiences in Greece and Macedonia, the Syrian refugees feel safe in Serbia and I’m told that they’re hesitating to move on to Hungary because of the difficulties there.
"But the Serbian government is relying on charities like ourselves to provide food because some of the local people are asking why the refugees should eat three times a day when plenty of Serbian citizens struggle to get one meal.
"More refugees are crossing the border from Macedonia every day and it is critical that we provide more food as soon as possible. We’re appealing for cash donations for this purpose today. "£5 can buy a 25kg sack of flour that will make enough bread for 50 people for one day."
Donations can be made by texting SYRI15 £5 to 70070 or online at www.blythswood.org or by calling 01349 830777 or by sending a cheque to Blythswood Care, Highland Deephaven, Evanton, IV16 9XJ.
