Students aim to raise £2k and help refugees in Greece

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17 students are to travel to Lesvos in Greece to help refugees next month.

The group have launched a campaign to raise £2000 on the website JustGiving, and are planning fundraising events including a pub quiz before they set off.They are being supported by Hellenic Society.

Eliza Gkritsi, a member of the team who has already done charity work in Lesvos, is appealing for more people to join the group.

“It’s amazing,” she told York Vision. “Honestly, everything about that island changes your perspective.”

“I saw a 70 year old American woman volunteering, and she wasnt at the boats or diving in the sea, she was just cooking and helping around the camp. Anyone who is considering it should look into it, whenever or however.”

She added: “Volunteers and refugees are trying to work together in the harshest of circumstances. And yet apart from those involved, no one cares.”

More than 60,000 refugees arrived in Greece in January, but over the last year hundreds have drowned before reaching the shore. The University has pledged £500,000 towards helping refugees.