‘Open mic party’ will help fund municipality-run women’s refuge

FUNDRAISERS supporting the Lefkoşa Turkish Municipality-run women’s refuge in the capital are to hold a new money-spinning event.

An “open mic party” will take place at Lapta’s Sardunya Bay venue on February 25, and organisers are urging people to ensure a high turnout.

They are lining up “fun activities”, from tombola to bingo, a raffle, stalls and auction, plus karaoke, a music quiz and performances by local musicians.

Entry to the 2pm-till-late event will cost 5TL, with meals on offer for 15TL, from which proceeds will be donated to the cause.

The party is part of the Open Door Initiative launched last summer by expats Laura Cox and Sandra Lee to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the need to help fund the women and children living at the shelter.

Starting with an initial charity event at Karşıyaka’s Tolga’s Bar and followed up by more donations, the pair have become “official fundraisers” for the refuge, providing household and school equipment, clothing and sanitary items.

Ms Cox told Cyprus Today: “So far we have raised just over 5,000TL, which has been a godsend . . . However it is an ongoing battle due to a high turnover in the victims joining and leaving the home, and the sheer number of abuse cases.”

Ömür Yılmaz, a member of Lefkoşa Turkish Municipality’s advisory board, said that although the council “met most of” the shelter’s needs, it was still in need of “serious support all of the time” from members of the public.

“Our needs never end, as this shelter is a home where life never stops,” she added.

For more information on how to donate, or on the event, visit the Open Door Initiative Facebook page.