Migrants in Athens - an update from Fr Malcolm Bradshaw


The Revd Canon Malcolm Bradshaw of St Paul's Anglican Church in Athens, continues to report on the influx of migrants and refugees into the city. Most are arriving in the capital after a journey from the Greek islands such as Kos, a popular destination for British tourists, just a half-hour sea crossing from Turkey. Many arrive in small dinghies. It is true say that the Greek government is not prepared for such numbers. 7000 are on the tiny island of Kos alone.



In the early morning, Fr Malcolm, with his colleague Captain Polis Pantelidis of the Salvation Army, visit the migrants to distribute milk and sandwiches. It is not long, however, before the arrival of the traffickers, and desperate migrants and refugees begin haggling with them about the cost of the next part of the journey, which could be a coach to the Macedonian border, or 3 nights stay in Athens while (false) documents and sorted for entry into Germany or Scandinavia.

Human trafficker (in green) negotiating payment for the next step
Huge amounts of money is being made by the traffickers from these migrants/refugees. Before long, the gathering places begin to empty as the migrants/refugees are led away by the traffickers.

So it happens each morning.

_________________________________________________________________

Here are instructions about how to donate to these emergency needs which are being coordinated by the Revd Canon Malcolm Bradshaw, the Senior Chaplain in Athens.

Donations can be sent to:

The Diocese in Europe
Attention Nick Wraight - Finance Officer
14 Tufton Street
London, SW1P 3QZ

Please mark the donation: Migrant Emergency Needs - Athens

Money may be transferred directly in to the diocesan bank account (details below). Please inform the Finance Officer, Mr Nick Wraight, if you are contributing in this way, so that the destination of the gift is clear.

Barclays Bank plc,
27 Soho Square,
London, W1D 3QR,
United Kingdom

Account name:                        Diocese in Europe Fund
Bank sort code:                       20-06-05
Account number:                    40317039
IBAN Account number:         GB43 BARC 2006 0540 3170 39
Swiftbic:                                 BARCGB22

Please do not hesitate to be in touch with Nick Wraight (nick.wraight@churchofengland.org) if you have any questions regarding transferring money.

UK tax payers may wish to take advantage of the Gift Aid scheme where for every £100 donated a further £25 is reclaimable by the Diocese, as a UK registered charity. The form is available for download here.






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