A charity champion from Bradford has self-funded a week-long trip to the Turkish and Syrian border town of Reyhanli to deliver vital humanitarian aid, just in time for Christmas.
As families continue to flee violence in their home countries, many are left stranded in camps across Europe.
In Reyhanli alone, it is estimated there are almost 80,000 externally displaced Syrian refugees, many of whom have little or no belongings as we approach the coldest time of the year.
On 22nd December, experienced aid worker, Nazim Ali, will travel with the Dewsbury-based SKT Welfare Charity Team to distribute winter aid and food distribution to externally displaced Syrian families.
Nazim has an 18-year track record of participating in a plethora of humanitarian and community initiatives, with his December border trip marking his fourth visit to the region.
He said: “The situation has not changed over there. I have witnessed at first hand many families living in partially built homes with no windows or doors.
“Some are living in tents and are in need of food and water – commodities we take for granted. To think how they will be surviving the cold winter months.”
He continued: “I have heard about mothers mixing water with sugar for their babies because they couldn’t afford baby milk. Large families ration the little food they have so that it lasts them for a month.”
Every year, Nazim saves up his annual leave that he receives from his job as a Careers Adviser to finance his humanitarian aid trips.
Working across three different schools in Bradford, the busy humanitarian can only head overseas at certain times of the year to avoid clashes with the classroom.
He added: “I also regularly volunteer on a weekly basis with the Curry Circle Project in Bradford, which serves warm food to the homeless and destitute in the Bradford District.
“For me helping those in need, irrespective of religious affiliation or ethnicity, is a religious obligation as a devout British Muslim.”
Nazim is currently fundraising for supplies for his trip, with 100 per cent of the donations going towards helping refugees.
If you are inspired by Nazim Ali’s work, please visit www.justgiving.com/nazimwinter4syria
The funds that are raised will be split equally across two projects: Food Aid and Winter Kits.
Food Aid: £20 parcel for a family of five (7-10 day supply) – Rice, Bulgur, Green lentils, Red lentils, Vermicelli, Spaghetti, Kidney Beans, Chickpeas, Tea, Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil, Sugar, Semolina.
Winter Kit: £20 per person (one pair of each item) – Blanket, Thermal Clothing, Socks, Gloves & Hat.
