ONE group of Nicosia women are taking the maxim ‘every little helps’ seriously to heart. Going by the name of Vagoni Agapis (‘Wagon of Love’) they have joined forces to come up with innovative ways to help families in need. But they are also calling for help from the general public.
Among the main activities of the group – officially recognised by the Ministry of Interior last week – is the creation of unique contemporary handicrafts, with all the money from sales going towards the purchase of food for poor families, as well as much-appreciated supermarket coupons.
All the handicrafts can be viewed on a website specially set up for the cause at www.flickr.com/photos/cows_etc. From colourfully painted porcelain mugs to funky plant pots, there are plenty of household accessories to choose from. Personally customised items are also available upon request. Orders can be placed via email or phone, with arrangements then made for door to door delivery.
The charity group locates the most needy through regular contact with various organisations and associations including the Welfare Office and the Parents’ Association. One family of eight currently receiving aid are crammed into a two bedroom house in Tseri because they cannot afford to move. Efforts are being made to find them a bigger residence from donations to help the family pay the necessary rent.
Then there is the Moukanis family of six in Oroklini who are struggling to buy everyday necessities and pay rent, since the father and main breadwinner was recently forced out of work for the foreseeable future because of health problems. While the mother has been looking for odd cleaning jobs, the money they earn to keep the family going is minimal. “Things are really bad at the moment,” said Paraskevoulla Moukanis. “We really need food to keep the family going, and the landlord is threatening to throw us out of the house if we don’t find a way to pay the rent.” Wagon of Love members are doing their upmost to fund at least part of the money to cover the costs.
“It’s very sad to see how some of them live,” said one of the current group members. “Sometimes we just pop by one of the houses and find fridges that are totally empty as the children wait for us to give them some milk.”
Any help from the general public is appreciated whether financial or in kind. All the families the group helps require basic foodstuffs including cereal, pulses, canned goods and dairy products. Other necessities include toiletries and nappies.
Also welcome are clothes and household items which you can take to the Wagon of Love group who then collect them in their storage facilities before passing them on to those who need them.
Wagon of Love has also set up a special bank account for public donations, with some individuals opting for a standing order on a monthly basis. “Any amount is welcome; helping out fills them with so much happiness,” said a group member.
For more information and account details contact: 96-800272. You can also email [email protected]
