Making a Difference in the Lives of Refugees ~ The Crisis Continues in Greece and Elsewhere

In 2015, a critical turning point emerged in Europe as over 800,000 refugees embarked on perilous journeys across the Mediterranean to Greece. In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, local Greeks and compassionate volunteers emerged as beacons of hope, providing essential aid, distributing food and clothing, and performing life-saving work. Among those remarkable individuals was Trude Jacobsen from Bærum, Norway.

Trude’s firsthand encounter with boat refugees on the Greek shores was a life-altering experience. Deeply moved by the plight of these individuals fleeing conflict and hardship, she returned to Norway with an unwavering determination to make a lasting impact. In 2016, with the support of dedicated friends, Trude established the voluntary humanitarian organization – A Drop in the Ocean.

Their Mission and Evolution

A Drop in the Ocean was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to facilitate the engagement of ordinary people in aiding refugees. What began as an initiative to assist arrivals by providing warm clothing, blankets, and beverages has grown into an organization that orchestrates diverse distributions and activities within and around refugee camps. Their programs extend beyond material aid to promote learning, empowerment, and socialization, striving to bring meaning and dignity to the lives of refugees.

An array of activities spans from language courses and children’s programs to sewing classes and spaces for communal interaction. By focusing on meaningful engagement, they aim to bolster the psychosocial well-being of camp residents during their time in refugee camps and beyond. Their experienced coordinators and volunteer field workers, who undergo mandatory training, ensure the impactful implementation of our programs.

Expanding Their Reach

As the refugee crisis escalated, so did our commitment. Presently, A Drop in the Ocean operates in multiple locations, responding to the growing need across Europe. They are active in four different countries: Greece, Poland, Norway, and Bosnia Herzegovina. In mainland Greece, they serve both the city of Athens and the Nea Kavala refugee camp in Northern Greece. On the islands, their work encompasses both inside and outside refugee camps on Lesvos and Samos. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, they operate within the refugee camp Ušivac. Furthermore, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022 they extended their reach to Krakow, Poland.

Your Chance to Make a Difference

We invite you to stand with A Drop in the Ocean and in support of those forced to flee their homes. There are two impactful ways you can contribute:

1. Donate: A Drop in the Ocean operates without government funding. Your donations, big or small, directly translate into tangible assistance for refugees. Your contributions sustain their mission and enable them to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
2. Volunteer: Become a field worker and witness the transformation your direct involvement can bring. Join their team of compassionate volunteers, working tirelessly to uplift refugees’ lives through meaningful activities and interactions.

Join Us in Creating a Better Future

The challenges faced by refugees are complex, but the solutions begin with a collective effort. A Drop in the Ocean is dedicated to not just providing aid, but to fostering empowerment, learning, and hope. By supporting them, you are supporting a brighter future for those who have been forced to leave their homes behind.

Your contribution matters. Join us today in making a difference. Together, we can bring positive change to the lives of refugees and demonstrate the strength of humanity in times of adversity.

Donate now or become a field worker: Your generosity will transform lives, one drop at a time.