'Team Scotland': Argyll volunteers deliver aid to Gaza refugees in Egypt

A GROUP of volunteers from Argyll have delivered aid to Gazan refugees during a trip to Egypt.

Three Kintyre locals – charity manager Alisa, 16-year-old student Eilidh and midwife Sharyn – teamed up to deliver aid in Cairo.

Funds raised by the group ahead of the visit paid for a bulk order of nappies, toiletries and baby milk for the Pali Boutique, a “free shopping” service which offers those who have been displaced from their homes in Gaza to obtain much-needed items with dignity.

The boutique was set up with the help of grassroots project Network for Palestine, which was created by mothers from Egypt and around the world to support refugees from Gaza.

Sharyn, formerly a human rights observer in Palestine, told of her experience of delivering nappies and baby formula to Gazan families sheltering in temporary accommodation.

“We spent part of our time helping with unpacking and sorting donated items,” she said.

“The young folk we worked alongside were business managers, pharmacists, and medical students unsure how they will ever resume their studies, all volunteering to support their fellow refugees.

“I also accompanied a Gaza nurse as he delivered nappies and baby formula to families sheltering in temporary Cairo accommodation.

“Some of these were the ‘lucky’ ones whose injured family members were evacuated to Egypt for medical treatment.

“On the discharge of these patients, who often had lost limbs, the Palestine consulate could only provide a one-off support payment of £30.”

‘We became known as Team Scotland’

Meanwhile, student Eilidh (below) said the trio had become known as “Team Scotland” by locals by the end of their trip.

(Image: Sharyn Locke) She said a highlight of the trip was being able to fund activity days out for families with children, such as to a water park in Cairo.

“The children had never seen anything like the slides and pools before. It was great to see the happiness that donations from Scotland could bring,” she said.

(Image: Sharyn Locke) “By the end of the visit people were calling us ‘Team Scotland’. Being able to bring smiles with support from home was very much appreciated.”

Alisa – who manages a charity in Argyll – highlighted the importance of supporting organisations such as Network for Palestine.

“There is no official support for Gazan refugees in Egypt and an estimated 100,000 people fled to Egypt from the bombing in Gaza prior to the border being closed.

“That’s more than the entire population of Argyll,” she added.

“Those are the fortunate ones, as the border has been closed since May this year.”

Alisa continued: “The latest figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health highlight that since October last year, 41,788 people, including nearly 16,500 children have been killed, more than 96,794 injured and 10,000 missing.”

To donate to Network for Palestine, click here.