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NEWS & ARTICLES

LOVE IN ACTION - Direct Support for People on the Run

Updates April 30th, 2016

Mütter und Babies auf der Flucht...
Mütter und Babies auf der Flucht...

Dear Friends,

because of all of your open hearts shown in the form of donations - may it be money, clothes, time… - and our volunteers network together we’ve been able to make a difference in the lives of some peoples who are on the run from war. THANK YOU from our hearts for your help and being part of these initiatives.

The circle of committed people is growing and so is our collective capacity to help! Let us join together again on Mothers Day on May 8th, 2016 and express our love in action.

If you want to Help Mothers and Babies on the Isle of Chios, Greece or Bring Joy to Refugees children in an Orphanage in Turkey please contact me for more information.

Thank you all and god bless,
Katrin & the Charity Circle

Get inspired by the Activities and Join!

Songs & Lights from around the world…

Meditative Music Event in Bensheim, Germany…

On December 10th, 2016 we’ve been singing in a biiiig circle together with friends from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraque, Somalia and Germany. It was a very heartopening, deeply touching experience of unity and love. And, we will do it again! :)

Einhausen, 12.12.2016

Jenniver Maya Gebhardt

Milk for Babies

Milk for Babies on the Isle of Chios, Greece

Because of stress and trauma of being on the run and because of insufficient nutrition many women cannot produce enough milk anymore for their babies. We have a contact on the Isle of Chios, Greece where we can send milk powder to so young mothers can feed their babies.

Please contact me if you want to prepare a package for them. Postal charges can be taken care of if needed.

Katrin Bihlmayer

April 30th, 2016

Summer Clothing for Children

Send clothes to children in Turkey and make them smile

Refugee children living in an orphanage in Turkey right now are looking forward to packages with summer clothes.

Please contact me if you want to prepare a box for them. Postal charges can be taken care of if needed.

Katrin Bihlmayer

April 30th, 2016

Joy Packages

Present Package for Yousef

Yousef is a two year old boy who was severely injured in August 2015, in a bomb attack in the east of Damascus in Syria and has thereby lost his mother and his 5 year old brother. The apartment of Yousef’s family was destroyed in this bombing raid by the bursting of a gas cylinder.

Yousef has thereby suffered first and second degree burns and almost died. His injuries are seen in the pictures and he is severely traumatized. Using a “Gofundme” - action of Rohan Carat, Yousef was able to travel with his family to Turkey. Despite the serious injuries, Yousef recovered remarkably well – he can already laugh again!

He likes to play a game in which he pretends he shoots at the people who have murdered his mother and brother. He now gets psychotherapeutic help.

To give Yousef and his family a little treat, we sent a package to Turkey. We packed some of the clothing and toys from my son (he is about the same age) and some candy.

Today I got the information that the packet has arrived after a four-week trip and as seen in the photo Yousef is delighted about his gifts.

Katrin Bihlmayer

You also want to send packets to make children happy? Ask Katrin, she certainly has an idea and the right contacts, too!

Love forgets nobody

In my family there are many heart-opened and generous people who really love to give. While visiting my home village recently I shared about our projects. Immediately my Mom, Granny, Aunts and Cousin emptied their wardrobes and I drove back with a fully packed car. While packing some clothes for Kathrin today who will send it to women in Turkey along with other supplies the thought came to my mind that its not only clothes that will go on a journey to Turkey but first of all its a big love bubble from all the beautiful women in my family coming with the package. That thought made me smile.

Jenniver Maya Gebhardt

March 23rd, 2016

Du möchtest auch Pakete versenden, um Menschen glücklich zu machen? Frag Katrin, sie hat Ideen und Kontakte dazu!

Clothing Donations for Wegscheid

Clothing Donations for Wegscheid

In Ebersberg we got 10 packing boxes fully packed with winter clothes. The clothing was picked up in Ebersberg, sorted out in Munich and brought to Wegscheid at the German-Austrian border by transporters of the “Refugees Help e.V.”. Hundreds of thousands of refugees came to Wegscheid in October daily, crossing the German-austrian border. Mostly the refugees had worn only summer clothes and summer shoes (or even no shoes at all or totally worn-out shoes!) and were nourished by the volunteers with warm winter clothes.

Katrin Bihlmayer

Child Seats and Infant Carriers for a Safe Journey

Child Seats and Infant Carriers for a Safe Journey

At the central bus station in Munich (ZOB), there is the Central Bus-Angels, who have three containers standing underneath the Hacker-Bridge. The ZOB-Angels are a group of individuals whom, with the support of the Bavarian Red Cross, distribute donated clothing as well as drinks and food daily to the refugees. The food is very tasty, cooked by the Vokü-Muc and then given out at the central bus station. Every day the ZOB Angels are present there from 6 pm to 12 am at the central bus station. The work is going in the layer system. A shift lasts 2 hours (6-8 pm, 8-10 pm, 10pm-12am).

The refugees come to the central bus station to continue their journey with the busses. Child seats and infant carriers are required for the transport of children and babies. The ZOB Angels collect these and distrubute them so that families can continue with kids and babies, too. Therefore we have gathered infant carriers and distributed them at the central bus station. There was an immediate need and a little baby feel asleep in one of them - very satisfied.

Katrin Bihlmayer

The Art to Welcome Refugee Children

The Art to Welcome Refugee Children

KRASS spot in Stuttgart needed donations support for art projects with refugee children. We sent a great package with water colors, paper, crayons, color pencils, scissors brushes - everything it takes to be creative - to Stuttgart to ensure that volunteers have everything they need to give refugee children a good time.

In November 2015

Claudia Seidensticker is an international charity lady, a woman with a husky heart and a longtime friend of mine whose work I support whole-heartedly. Since 2009, with a lot of love and energy she is doing her charitable work to ensure that disadvantaged children and youth receive a free and threshold-free access to art and culture. Regardless of their religion and social class they get positive experiences that help heal their sometimes traumatic experiences.

If you want to make art with children I recommend all initiatives of KRASS e.V. whole-heartedly! You can offer your support on a regular basis - but it is also a pleasure to join the volunteer teams for some of their bigger events here and there, for example the yearly big art event in Düsseldorf where many many children come together to paint for a whole day. The kids have soooo much fun. All projects are accompanied by art educators and artists.

Jenniver Maya Gebhardt

[Website of KRASS]

[The Art to Welcome Refugee Children - Documentary in German]

Shoe Donations for refugees at the Balkan States

Shoe Donations for refugees at the Balkans

One of my friends donated 500 kg of shoes - for men, women and children. We transported the shoes to Munich and from there they were transported to the Balkan States. 

Katrin Bihlmayer

Flight Ticket for lifeguard

Flight Ticket for lifeguard

We purchased flight tickets to Lesbos, Greece for a lifeguard offering direct support to rescue refugees from the sea. Here we can see networking in action - Katrin’s contacts, a wonderfully working international helper-network and the donations of the Kaleshwar Community made it possible to send him right away to safe lives. Thank you for your donations!

In November 2015

Collect and Share - Just do it!

Collect and Share - Just do it!

Volunteers team for Presevo, Serbia
Volunteers team for Presevo, Serbia
Our transporters made it!
Our transporters made it!
  • A beautiful lady from Gelnhausen collected goods locally and asked me for a contact where to bring it in the Balkan States. I gave her all the contact details for SOS Konvoi Vienna, as they are sending supporting calvacades to the Balkan States (and now also to Greece). Last week she and her husband drove to Vienna and handed over all of the collected goods to SOS Konvoi Vienna. The lady felt super relieved when I told her that the Kaleshwar Community is taking care of the transportation costs. After her return she wrote: “Dear Mrs. Bihlmayer, it all went well. We started the trip on Wednesday night and came back to Gelnhausen Friday afternoon. I believe all of the collected items are needed, especially all of the winter coats, boots, blankets, tents and also Yoga mats. While packing the trailer, still people were coming and donating bags full of stuff - we couldnt sort it out before our departure but I am sure there are only good items in there.” So this is also an option to just do something yourself.

  • A doctor from Nürtingen, together with her husband, also went with SOS Konvoi Vienna and a fully packed trailer to Slovenia. Her feedback was that the SOS Konvoi Team is simply super and a good contact worth recommending.

  • In October, a group of volunteers came together transporting two trailers full with supportive goods to Presevo in Serbia. Our community (YOU!) took care of the rent of one of these trailers. Usually it’s really hard to get the goods to Serbia because of customs but “our” trailers made it! With only a few hours delay at the Serbia border, they continued their journey and were able to distribute everything in Presevo and help there.

Katrin Bihlmayer

Baby Room for Mother & Child in Presevo, Serbia

Baby Room for Mother & Child in Presevo, Serbia

Safe Space for Mothers and Children
Safe Space for Mothers and Children

In Presevo, Serbia, there is a camp where refugees get registerd. For hours they have to stand in a queue - sometimes even over night. A team of volunteers observed how families with babies and toddlers had to stay in the cold. The team rented a few rooms. Here is a feedback from Sharon: “A team of amazing volunteers have set up a clinic for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and sick children. It is strictly for women and children, a safe zone. Tomorrow the rain will come and they will be dealing with cases of hypothermia.” Here, children can play and rest for a while with their mothers while the dads can take care of the registration. This “babyroom” saves lives as hypothermia is really life threatening for toddlers and babies. The Kaleshwar Community took care of the rent for the babyroom. After a two week starting phase, the aid organization “Save the Children” took over and are now taking care of the project locally. I really ask myself why all of the big aid organizations are coming so late. Without the support of volunteers this humanitarian catastrophe would be even worse.

Katrin Bihlmayer

Water and Food for Refugees

Water and Food for Refugees

In Šid on the Serbian/Croatia border there are 5000 refugees right now. A female volunteer from Berlin is purchasing food and water in our name to take care.

In Oktober 2015

Supporting a Camp in Your Area

Giving makes happy
Giving makes happy

Supporting a Camp in Your Area

And also in the camps in Germany help is needed. We donated 45 blankets to the camp in Bensheim.

In September 2015

THANK YOU from volunteers and helpers at the boarders

THANK YOU from volunteers and helpers at the boarders

  • “One of the women was pregnant, four days away from delivery. She was sitting in the queue crying. After a two hour ear bashing from my new sister Leena (she is Serbian), the police let them come out of the queue and we put them up in a room we had negotiated earlier (babyroom) and paid for. This morning they managed to get registered quickly because the house we put them in was near the registration centre. Exited call just received that they were on the bus out of here. Actually sobbing she was and so are we. Money for their accommodation donated by you. Thank you. We have whole families who have such a look of despair when they come, no money, most of it gone to illegal taxi drivers and shops that charge refugee prices or stolen or lost. The refugees are strong, stronger than anyone could ever imagine but I have had grown men coming to me with tears in their eyes and saying what will I do for my family? Where will we stay? How can I feed them? How will we be able to get on the busses out of this hell. I wish you could see their faces when I tell them that your donations will solve all of that. That your donations will mean that the families don’t suffer any more than they have to. Thank you so much. You are extraordinary. We love you. Sharon”

  • “Dear Katrin, today Daniel Szatmary and I will go to Servia and check out the possibilities. I want to thank you and all the others. You cannot imagine how tired we are after three months of voluntary work. But your dedication and help gives us strength and energy. Thank you, Thank you, Katrin.”

How You can Help

  • Volunteers are most urgently needed! As the situation is constantly changing, the helper circles react very spontaneously and travel to where it needs help. If you would like to help directly in one camp - for example in Greece - but can’t afford the travel costs, please let Katrin know. We can cover your travel expenses. The helper circles are international teams and the experiences from joining in this work will for sure stay positively in your memory for life.

  • Collecting donations of clothes and other needed items is another way to help directly We have compiled a list of articles that are needed. If you have donations please let Katrin know. Financial support for the transport of the donations to Munich is possible.

List of needed articles

Based on the season, winter clothes are needed urgently:

  • Warm shoes up to size 45. The warmer the better, but also e.g. sneakers are super. It’s important that the sole and shoelaces are intact; rubber boots in all sizes up to size 45
  • Caps, scarves, gloves and socks in all sizes, also for babies and children
  • Winter jackets in all sizes, but please not larger than XXL. Zippers should work.
  • New Underwear
  • Backpacks and other lightweight and handy pockets, but please no ladies handbags.
  • Sleeping bags, tents, sleeping pads
  • Good and stable straps, which can be used in the clothing distribution.

Please provide all donations separated by men, women and children, and separated by which facilitates for easy distribution.

Direct Support in Your Area

Many activities have taken place since the beginning of our refugee aid and some people have been inspired by Katrin’s call and now engage regularly in their home towns for refugees. Some heart touching initiatives are being formed and we will report.

If you - alone or with your group - also want to get active in the refugee assistance and support and would like to have our support or simply talk about your experiences, please contact Katrin. Some of the people in our circle for many months have been active in the refugee support and are glad to help you with advice and support - even financial resources can be provided.

Contact for Organization, Questions, Participate & Sharing

If you have any questions and offers of help, please contact the initiator and organizator directly:

Katrin Bihlmayer
Mobile: 0176 99620946
Landline: 08093 905691
Email: katrin.bihlmayer@googlemail.com

Katrin Bihlmayer, born in 1970, Engineer for Communications Engineering (FH) and Industrial Engineer (FH), Healer & Homeopath for humans and animals, is a student of Sri Kaleshwar. During a few months stay in India she studied Sai Shakti Healing and Vaastu and works in her own healing place. She is the mother of a 2 year old boy and lives with her family in Glonn, near Munich, Germany.

Especially each hand and each open heart is needed to help locally. Of course, the team is also so deeply grateful for every financial donation. Only because your financial support we were able to support people helping locally who otherwise would not have the opportunity to immediately jump in and spend their time. It also enabled us to interims wise take care financially, where the major aid organizations administration took longer (e.g. rent for the baby room at the Hungarian border).

We have set up a donation account. These donations will be used exclusively for such actions as described here - for people on the run.

Donate Via Wire Transfer

You can also donate money via wire transfer:

Sri Sai Kaleshwar e.V.
Donation Account: 6034617777
Bank Code Number: 43060967
Bank: GLS Bank
BIC/SWIFT: GENODEM1GLS
IBAN: DE81 4306 0967 6034 6177 77
Purpose of Use: “Refugees Welcome”

The GLS Community Bank is the first social-ecological universal bank in the world, combining professional banking business with responsible actions, taking into account strict sustainability criteria.

Every donation is tax deductible. There are no fees and and the money will be only used for this project.

(Donation via Paypal is also being used for the project but Paypal is charging a fee of 1,2 % + 35 Euro cents.)

Reports Archive

Updates February 10th, 2016

Refugees arriving at the island of Lesbos, Greece
Refugees arriving at the island of Lesbos, Greece

Dear Friends,

The main focus of our refugee support initiative so far has been to help people on the run where it is needed the most. This is currently in Greece on the islands of Lesbos and Chios; daily many refugees arrive there after a perilous and drenched journey by boat from Turkey. They are full of fear when they arrive. Volunteers nourish them with dry clothes, food, medical help and information. There are also several “hot spots” in the Balkans along the route Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia. The temperatures at night are still below zero and many refugees have to stay outdoors with their children (even babies!). This is extremly dangerous. But also in other places, such as Calais or Dunkirk in France, there are more camps that urgently need help. The refugee routes can, however, change everyday e.g. due to border closures and thus change the “hot spots” of refugee assistance.

Katrin cooperates with other voluntary refugee helpers, the helper circles have launched and coordinate actions. For example, they supply refugee camps with clothing donations and volunteers.

RAISED DONATIONS NOV 27th, 2015, 11 am: 7.504,- €

Update NOV 14th, 2015: This Weeks Activities

  • We purchased flight tickets to Lesbos, Greece for a lifeguard offering direct support to rescue refugees from the sea.
  • Water colors, paper, pens, brushes, scissors etc. have been donated to the children’s initiative KRASS in Stuttgart for creative group sessions with refugee children locally.

Dear Sai Family, 

Here it comes - an update!

  • One of my friends donated 500 kg of shoes - for men, women and children. We transported the shoes to Munich and from there they were transported to the Balkan States. 

  • A beautiful lady from Gelnhausen collected goods locally and asked me for a contact where to bring it in the Balkan States. I gave her all the contact details for SOS Konvoi Vienna, as they are sending supporting calvacades to the Balkan States (and now also to Greece). Last week she and her husband drove to Vienna and handed over all of the collected goods to SOS Konvoi Vienna. The lady felt super relieved when I told her that the Kaleshwar Community is taking care of the transportation costs. After her return she wrote: “Dear Mrs. Bihlmayer, it all went well. We started the trip on Wednesday night and came back to Gelnhausen Friday afternoon. I believe all of the collected items are needed, especially all of the winter coats, boots, blankets, tents and also Yoga mats. While packing the trailer, still people were coming and donating bags full of stuff - we couldnt sort it out before our departure but I am sure there are only good items in there.” So this is also an option to just do something yourself.

  • A doctor from Nürtingen, together with her husband, also went with SOS Konvoi Vienna and a fully packed trailer to Slovenia. Her feedback was that the SOS Konvoi Team is simply super and a good contact worth recommending.

  • The four helpers who went by car to Tovarnik in Croacia are back now. They raised money themselves and didn’t need our financial support. I hope they will write up an article and send photos so I can share with you about their Seva. It may be an inspiration for all of us, to help directly where help is needed.

  • We still want to send a “BABAMOBIL” even though it has not manifested yet. For this plan we need more people helping actively! Whomever wants to help in our “Refugees Welcome” Team or wants to especially help with the BABAMOBIL Project, please call! It’s getting really cold outside and warm meals can save lives.

    Team of Volunteers for Presevo, Serbia
    Team of Volunteers for Presevo, Serbia
    Our Busses made it
    Our Busses made it
    Save Space for Mothers & Children
    Save Space for Mothers & Children
    This little boy is now safe together with his family.
    This little boy is now safe together with his family.
  • In October, a group of volunteers came together transporting two trailers full with supportive goods to Presevo in Serbia. Our community (YOU!) took care of the rent of one of these trailers. Usually it’s really hard to get the goods to Serbia because of customs but “our” trailers made it! With only a few hours delay at the Serbia border, they continued their journey and were able to distribute everything in Presevo and help there.

  • In Presevo, Serbia, there is a camp where refugees get registerd. For hours they have to stand in a queue - sometimes even over night. A team of volunteers observed how families with babies and toddlers had to stay in the cold. The team rented a few rooms. Here is a feedback from Sharon: “A team of amazing volunteers have set up a clinic for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and sick children. It is strictly for women and children, a safe zone. Tomorrow the rain will come and they will be dealing with cases of hypothermia.” Here, children can play and rest for a while with their mothers while the dads can take care of the registration. This “babyroom” saves lives as hypothermia is really life threatening for toddlers and babies. The Kaleshwar Community took care of the rent for the babyroom. After a two week starting phase, the aid organization “Save the Children” took over and are now taking care of the project locally. I really ask myself why all of the big aid organizations are coming so late. Without the support of volunteers this humanitarian catastrophe would be even worse.

  • As you can see, we just help whereever its needed and possible. Sharon writes, “One of the women was pregnant, four days away from delivery. She was sitting in the queue crying. After a two hour ear bashing from my new sister Leena (she is Serbian), the police let them come out of the queue and we put them up in a room we had negotiated earlier (babyroom) and paid for. This morning they managed to get registered quickly because the house we put them in was near the registration centre. Exited call just received that they were on the bus out of here. Actually sobbing she was and so are we. Money for their accommodation donated by you. Thank you. We have whole families who have such a look of despair when they come, no money, most of it gone to illegal taxi drivers and shops that charge refugee prices or stolen or lost. The refugees are strong, stronger than anyone could ever imagine but I have had grown men coming to me with tears in their eyes and saying what will I do for my family? Where will we stay? How can I feed them? How will we be able to get on the busses out of this hell. I wish you could see their faces when I tell them that your donations will solve all of that. That your donations will mean that the families don’t suffer any more than they have to. Thank you so much. You are extraordinary. We love you. Sharon”

  • The situation on Lesbos (Greek island) is horrible: Everyday boats with refugees arrive here, some are sinking and volunteers have to rescue the people from the sea, re-animate, carry the babies and change their clothes until professional help is coming and they are being transported to the hospital. Around 90 refugees drowned within the last 5 days in the sea between Turkey and Greece. I saw videos where toddlers are being re-animated by volunteers but even if the heart starts beating again it’s a miracle if they survive. I want to also help in Greece now. My hope is, the refugees can use the ferry that costs 20,- € to bring them safely to Greece. I wonder in what kind of world we are living in where hundreds of children drown each day because they are not allowed to use the ferry! This is happening in Europe!

Sometimes I am really desperate when seeing and feeling all of the pain and suffering. Still we continue, every support is needed. If you have further ideas how we can help, please call me. In addition to helpers who are willing to go to the Balkan States or to Greece to support the teams there, I am looking for help to co-ordinate all of the activities. I cannot do it all alone.

Thank you for all of your support and inspration!

All my love,
Katrin
(Glonn, Germany, November 4th, 2015)

Feed the poor people, feed the hungry people and do the good charity works wherever you are to the needy people. As much as you can in your life try to do minimum charity works. Think on some people’s life who needs help, any type of help. Spend some time, put a little attention on them. You’ll receive tons of blessings from their soul. Please promote the charity works in the globe. Tell to your friends, your family around you anybody whatever you can. Life is very short. We need to help each others.

Sri Kaleshwar

Contact

If you have any questions and offers of help, please contact the initiator and organizator directly:

Katrin Bihlmayer
Mobile: 0176 99620946
Landline: 08093 905691
Email: katrin.bihlmayer@googlemail.com

Katrin Bihlmayer, born in 1970, Engineer for Communications Engineering (FH) and Industrial Engineer (FH), Healer & Homeopath for humans and animals, is a student of Sri Kaleshwar. During a few months stay in India she studied Sai Shakti Healing and Vaastu and works in her own healing place. She is the mother of a 2 year old boy and lives with her family in Glonn, near Munich, Germany.

We have setup an account for donations. These donations will be used for this project.

Donate Via Wire Transfer

You can also donate money via wire transfer:

Sri Sai Kaleshwar e.V.
Donation Account: 6034617777
Bank Code Number: 43060967
Bank: GLS Bank
BIC/SWIFT: GENODEM1GLS
IBAN: DE81 4306 0967 6034 6177 77
Purpose of Use: “Refugees Welcome”

The GLS Community Bank is the first social-ecological universal bank in the world, combining professional banking business with responsible actions, taking into account strict sustainability criteria.

Every donation is tax deductible. There are no fees and and the money will be only used for this project.

(Donation via Paypal is also being used for the project but Paypal is charging a fee of 1,2 % + 35 Euro cents.)

Upates… and New Ideas!

Dear Friends,

here comes another update on what happened the last days so you can see what we’ve been able to do with your donations. Right now the situation is still not stable. After the dissolution of the camp in Röszke in Hungary again thousands of refugees are without a roof above their heads and back on the streets and in the fields - in rainy and cold weather. We reacted and the following activities are running right now:

Blankets for the Camp in Bensheim
Blankets for the Camp in Bensheim
  • two cars with four volunteers are in Croatia right now and take care of refugees directly on the streets. One of the volunteers is a Syrian woman. She speaks arabian and can communicate with the refugees which is very helpful. The four volunteers are helping directly wherever help is needed and with your donations they are also able to purchase needed items (food, water).

  • in Šid on the Serbian/Croatia border there are 5000 refugees right now. A female volunteer from Berlin is purchasing food and water in our name to take care.

  • And also in the camps in Germany help is needed. We donated 45 blankets to the camp in Bensheim.

Lets send our „BABAMOBIL” - BABAS FOOD TRUCK!

Because of the unstable situation the idea came to me to send „BABAMOBIL“ (Baba’s Food Truck) with all necessary items on board - or even more than one truck? At the moment the refugees are moving almost every three days so we need to be flexible! The idea of „BABAMOBIL“ is now in the phase of manifestation. We plan to have a local restaurant cook food for 5000 people every day, transport the food to the fields where the refugees are and give out the food directly to the needy.

My appeal again today: Please help - either directly in your area or help us to help!

  • We need more donations to directly help where help is needed the most right now. I am in contact with the volunteers daily and your money is being spent directly where it is mostly needed.

  • We need Man Power! Who is willing to help actively with the „BABA FOOD TRUCK“-Project? We need support in co-ordination and organization. And we need people who are willing to spend a few days of their lives to distribute food to the needy with our „BABAMOBIL“.

I am a mother and my heart especially is with the children. Please help.

From the depth of my heart I am thanking you!

All my love, Katrin

UPDATE Sept 15th, 2015:

Dear Friends,

A little Boy, who is sleeping without a tent in Serbia.
A little Boy, who is sleeping without a tent in Serbia.

Here comes a short report with some background information about what we’ve been doing so far.

Together with other private volunteers - mainly from Germany and Austria - we’ve been helping the refugees directly.

In Röszke, Hungary, we built a small tent village with a power unit, wireless lan, charging stations for mobile phones. The Hungarian government was not taking care at all of the refugees, and this was a critical situation, especially for children and babies who cool down so fast. Since the Hungarian government has tightened the laws today and sent the refugees of Röszke away to Austria, the tent city was dismantled and we have to rebuild it at another location - presumably in Serbia. In Serbia the current situation is also tense, and again the refugees have to sleep at 5°C outdoors - including the Kids & Babies!

Time is pressing, we need to build more tents and therefore require more donations:

  • big tents (party tents)
  • Iso mats
  • blankets
  • sleeping bags
  • warm winter clothing for men, women, children, babies

and more money so we can take care of more refugees and nobody will freeze to death. We also still require more volunteers helping on the spot taking care of the refugees and help build up the tents. Thank you all for your donations so far - may it be in the form of items or money! I am very touched by your contribution and dedication and all of your support from around the globe.
Your support is saving lives!

God bless you,
Katrin

Feedback & Thank You by Daniel Überall

Daniel Überall was driving the van from Munich to Röszke many times and helped build up the tent city there. The refugees received warm clothes, mats, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, food and water. Even Wlan and a charging station for mobile phones was contributed. The Hungarian government was not taking care at all and left the refugees literally out in the cold. He writes: “After an extreme and intense week I am so happy about the words of the UN-Co-ordinator: ‘I have no words to thank you and your colleagues for what you did for refugees! You were more effective and practical than any international mega organizations.’”

A Volunteers Report

“Today Daniel Szatmary and I will go to Serbia and figure out the possibilities over there. After that I will give you an update. I would like to thank you and all the others. You cannot imagine how tired we are after 3 month non-stop voluntery work. But your support gives us power and energy. Thank you, Katrin. Thank you!”

Important Information for Volunteers…

  • Please, if you really want to help on the spot, plan to stay for at least 2-3 days.
  • Please report your departure, load, number of people, abilities and duration of stay to Katrin.
  • ALWAYS contact the Info Point at the train station first when you arrive. Their job is to co-ordinate and it’s only possible for them to do so if everyone is following their instructions.
  • There are too few educated volunteers on the spot - if they are too busy trying to take care and explain everything to every new arrived helper, they can not use their time usefully.
  • If you bring items, please only bring what is listed below.
  • Sort everything very precisely before delivery / before departure; the best is to organize everything at home. On site the volunteers are already overburdened and this work would cost too much power and valuable time.
  • Children’s clothing needs to be able to be easily put on (elastic waistband pants, thick warm one piece items) and packed according to sizes. Please label everything (eg. label bags “Baby” / “Kindergarden” / “Schoolchild” and put in the “Kids” box).
  • Provide shoes only in pairs - please pack in clear plastic bags and add a suitable pair of socks to the bag. Label the bag with the shoe size and put all bags in boxes with similar sizes, eg. 36-40 and 41-47)
  • Be prepared that many refugees are so exhausted that very often it will be YOUR job to peel away their wet clothes from their bodies in order to put them in dry clothes - the big and the little people. Do this with patience, love and respect. Always show two choices to them. They will make jokes when the outfits look strange to them. Especially teenagers prefer good looking clothes before the usage. In that case take care that they will be wrapped in warm, nourishing clothing and rather give their “cool desired fashion item” as a gift.
  • The children are wet, ice cold and shivering; the babies are often spaced out, lip and it’s difficult to wake them up. Warm up their clothing and bodies with your breath, through rubbing, holding them or otherwise. If the mother is breastfeeding she should have the baby / toddler constantly at her breast. Even hungry women should do so - their milk needs to keep flowing in order to increase the chances of her child’s survival.
  • If you have food with you (bananas, figs, cookies, bread…) please pay attention to those who need it the most and make sure they take it and eat it (hypoglycaemic pepole seem uncoordinated, they may refuse the food first, they stagger in the midst of the street, they let go of their children…)
  • Talk to the refugees. In groups mostly at least one person is speaking english.
  • Ask for the children, women, sick and old people - they are often being kept hidden.
  • Inform them honestly about their options (recent status about the travel conditions, advice of the organizers)
  • They are incredibly scared of the police and the government in Hungary. They are afraid of the conditions in the camps.
  • Show respect and understanding, keep positive and focused.
  • If you are tired and exhausted or getting weak, drink, eat, go to sleep (or, if that’s not possible, go sort clothing). Constantly keep contact with the other volunteers and exchange your experiences.
  • Camera/Photo/Film: If you want to get a “good shot” show respect. Ask and wait until the people show themselves in a way that is dignified in their tradition and mentality.
  • Trash: Yes, if the clothes are wet they may be put in the ditch because needless ballast needs to be thrown away when racing for life.

UPDATE Sept 15th, 2015:

Donations received: 3.051,78 €

UPDATE Sept 14th, 2015:

Donations received: 2.854,03 €

UPDATE Sept 12th, 2015, 2 PM: Volunteers needed!

Volunteers are urgently needed on the ground in Röske, Hungary - people who can take care of the refugees directly. Katrin is organizing carpooling for volunteers who want to help locally. You can also go directly - however please also contact Katrin, since she is in contact with the local organizers and can give useful advice.

Important Information for Volunteers…

  • Please, if you really want to help on the spot, plan to stay for at least 2-3 days.
  • Please report your departure, load, number of people, abilities and duration of stay to Katrin.
  • ALWAYS contact the Info Point at the train station first when you arrive. Their job is to co-ordinate and it’s only possible for them to do so if everyone is following their instructions.
  • There are too few educated volunteers on the spot - if they are too busy trying to take care and explain everything to every new arrived helper, they can not use their time usefully.
  • If you bring items, please only bring what is listed below.
  • Sort everything very precisely before delivery / before departure; the best is to organize everything at home. On site the volunteers are already overburdened and this work would cost too much power and valuable time.
  • Children’s clothing needs to be able to be easily put on (elastic waistband pants, thick warm one piece items) and packed according to sizes. Please label everything (eg. label bags “Baby” / “Kindergarden” / “Schoolchild” and put in the “Kids” box).
  • Provide shoes only in pairs - please pack in clear plastic bags and add a suitable pair of socks to the bag. Label the bag with the shoe size and put all bags in boxes with similar sizes, eg. 36-40 and 41-47)
  • Be prepared that many refugees are so exhausted that very often it will be YOUR job to peel away their wet clothes from their bodies in order to put them in dry clothes - the big and the little people. Do this with patience, love and respect. Always show two choices to them. They will make jokes when the outfits look strange to them. Especially teenagers prefer good looking clothes before the usage. In that case take care that they will be wrapped in warm, nourishing clothing and rather give their “cool desired fashion item” as a gift.
  • The children are wet, ice cold and shivering; the babies are often spaced out, lip and it’s difficult to wake them up. Warm up their clothing and bodies with your breath, through rubbing, holding them or otherwise. If the mother is breastfeeding she should have the baby / toddler constantly at her breast. Even hungry women should do so - their milk needs to keep flowing in order to increase the chances of her child’s survival.
  • If you have food with you (bananas, figs, cookies, bread…) please pay attention to those who need it the most and make sure they take it and eat it (hypoglycaemic pepole seem uncoordinated, they may refuse the food first, they stagger in the midst of the street, they let go of their children…)
  • Talk to the refugees. In groups mostly at least one person is speaking english.
  • Ask for the children, women, sick and old people - they are often being kept hidden.
  • Inform them honestly about their options (recent status about the travel conditions, advice of the organizers)
  • They are incredibly scared of the police and the government in Hungary. They are afraid of the conditions in the camps.
  • Show respect and understanding, keep positive and focused.
  • If you are tired and exhausted or getting weak, drink, eat, go to sleep (or, if that’s not possible, go sort clothing). Constantly keep contact with the other volunteers and exchange your experiences.
  • Camera/Photo/Film: If you want to get a “good shot” show respect. Ask and wait until the people show themselves in a way that is dignified in their tradition and mentality.
  • Trash: Yes, if the clothes are wet they may be put in the ditch because needless ballast needs to be thrown away when racing for life.

UPDATE Sept 11th, 2015, 7 PM: Items needed

Whats needed right now…

  • rainwear, rubber boots
  • non-perishables: tinned food, no pork
  • tents, sleeping bags, rubbish bags, tarpaulins
  • clinical thermometer, ambulatory blood pressure unit, sanitary products, sanitary napkins, inhalation protection, plastic gloves, germicide
  • medical articles - please contact Katrin

NO CLOTHES (besides rainwear), NO TOYS

We are looking for a truck or van.
Another driver is ready to go as soon as a vehicle is available.

Thank you!

UPDATE Sept 11th, 2015:

Donations received: more than 1.000,- €

Volunteers (especially drivers) desperately, donations, cars / vans for transportation and finances. Please contact Katrin directly if you can help.

UPDATE Sept 9th, 2015:

Already more than 500,- € are collected and also a driver for a van has contacted Katrin. Many Thanks! We still need volunteers (especially drivers), donations, cars / vans for transportation and finances. Please contact Katrin directly if you can help. The first team will start their journey presumably this week and will also stop at the collecting point for the refugees camp in Röszke!

Dear Friends,

I received an emergency call from the Serbia/Hungary border:

„We are on our way from Rözke back to Graz. The people crossing the border there are being kept in an open field and must endure outdoors under the open sky for the night. Temperatures have now fallen to 10 degrees. About 2000 people are there right now not being supported by official sources. Blankets, jackets, tents, sleeping bags are being contributed by NGOs and volunteers. There are many families with children and babies. Every hour about 50 to 100 people are arriving here. Please go there and help.“

People are freezing. Whomever is willing to help riding vans down there with tents, sleeping bags, winter clothing? Whoever is willing to help please call me. I cannot do it alone.

Many Thanks!

Katrin

Who wants to help?

  • Donations are needed in the form of warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, food (bananas, apples, nuts…) etc.
  • Financial support to buy relief goods and to finance transportation
  • Manpower: Who can provide/drive vans, has the time and is ready to go on the spot?
  • Spread the word and share this article

We have setup an account for donations. These donations will be used for this project.

Donate Via Wire Transfer

You can also donate money via wire transfer:

Sri Sai Kaleshwar e.V.
Donation Account: 6034617777
Bank Code Number: 43060967
Bank: GLS Bank
BIC/SWIFT: GENODEM1GLS
IBAN: DE81 4306 0967 6034 6177 77
Purpose of Use: “Refugees Welcome”

The GLS Community Bank is the first social-ecological universal bank in the world, combining professional banking business with responsible actions, taking into account strict sustainability criteria.

Every donation is tax deductible. There are no fees and and the money will be only used for this project.

(Donation via Paypal is also being used for the project but Paypal is charging a fee of 1,2 % + 35 Euro cents.)

Contact

If you have any questions and offers of help, please contact the initiator and organizator directly:

Katrin Bihlmayer
Mobile: 0176 99620946
Landline: 08093 905691
Email: katrin.bihlmayer@googlemail.com

Katrin Bihlmayer, born in 1970, Engineer for Communications Engineering (FH) and Industrial Engineer (FH), Healer & Homeopath for humans and animals, is a student of Sri Kaleshwar. During a few months stay in India she studied Sai Shakti Healing and Vaastu and works in her own healing place. She is the mother of a 2 year old boy and lives with her family in Glonn, near Munich, Germany.

Fire Pujas for Peace & Healing

Another initiative is the “Fire Pujas for Peace and Healing”. For more than one year, we have continuously performed Fire Pujas at various locations in Europe together. Regardless of the season and weather, we come together with a common focus of bringing peace and healing - into ourselves and into the world. This spiritual work is as important today as ever before – it provides for an increase of consciousness. And only from a new stage of consciousness can new solutions be born to meet the problems of our time.

  • About Fire Pujas (german) HERE
  • About the Pujari Circle (german) HERE
  • Fire Pujas in Your Area HERE

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