Bulgarians Volunteer to Help Refugees in Distress

Volunteers in Bulgaria are collecting needed items and funds for refugees, which they also pack and deliver. Photo by BGNES

Following accusations Bulgarian institutions in charge of refugees remain inactive, a number of Bulgarians have launched a campaign in the social network Facebook to help these refugees.

NGOs and individuals are making attempts to coordinate activities with the government bodies in order for the help to reach the refugees as quickly as possible, reports "Standart News" daily.

There are several campaigns calling for assistance and for volunteers to help in delivering and sorting items and food.

One of them is named "Friends of Refugees," and another is "Humanitarian Assistance for Refugees in Bulgaria." They connect and coordinate a number people who want to help; collect needed items and funds; pack and transport them.

They say jackets and all kinds of clothing, blankets, diapers, pots, pans, forks, knives, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and towels are always welcome.

According to the Bulgarian Red Cross, a total of 1500 refugees based in Bulgaria are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

Bulgaria has the capacity to accommodate 5 000 refugees and there are currently 4798 refugees in the country.

The refugee wave is attributed mostly to Syrians fleeing the raging conflict in their country.