Event helps out women’s shelter

A CHARITY event organised by the Open Door Initiative raised almost 3,000TL for the Lefkoşa Municipalityrun women’s shelter on Sunday — and a large van was also filled with donated items for needy women and children. The third fundraiser for the shelter saw some 200 people, including children, taking part in games, races, tombola, karaoke and a raffle while listening to live music by local musician Hasan Günyüz. Three stalls selling food, books and make-up also did a brisk trade. Money raised on the day will help meet the needs of two new-born babies at the shelter, contribute towards school expenses such as stationery and additional lessons, along with helping women leaving the shelter to settle into new homes.

A call has also gone out for people to donate their time free of charge to help teach social skills to women at the centre, help guide them in developing CVs and encourage them to be socially active. Anyone willing to volunteer their services or wishing to make a donation can call 0533 887 2466 for more information.

Initiative member Laura Cox said: “We are over the moon with the outcome of the event, which had a fantastic result in raising the most we have collected through previous fundraisers. It has also helped to increase awareness about the shelter and its needs.

“In addition, we were overwhelmed by the number of items that were donated to our appeal for people to bring along clothes, household items, baby food and nappies, which all fitted into a huge municipality van to be sent to needy women and children.”