Mum to help Afghans fleeing the Taliban
A mum hopes her charity which supports local children can be a force for good for Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban.
Karen Watson has looked on in horror at distressing scenes of families being torn apart as they escape their war-torn country.
Her Ayr charity, Baby to Teen, is on hand to provide a collection of essential items to help children settle in when they arrive in South Ayrshire.
It is expected that several families will set up a new life in the coming months.
And the charity, which is part of the Night Before Christmas Campaign, launched an appeal last week for warm clothes, bedding and toys for ‘frightened’ children.
Karen started Baby to Teen last year with an official launch in May.
Since then they have provided hundreds of toys, clothes and anything else to meet children’s needs.
They have also helped those less fortunate locals afford gifts from their kids or grandkids.
Now they are hoping to share the kindness shown by the community to those arriving from the streets of Kabul.
Mum-of-three Karen said: “When we found out that there were going to be refugee families coming to South Ayrshire we knew we wanted to help.
“It’s just been horrific seeing them all crammed in at the airport in really
desperate scenes. As a mother you can’t help but put yourself in that situation.
“I’ve got three children- I couldn’t imagine how these parents must feel having to give their children away or becoming separated from them.
“It is none of their fault; no child asked for that, no child asked to be living in a war zone. It was a no-brainer for us to get involved.”
Karen hopes that donations will be able to give families everything they need to start anew.
She added: “I am hoping I will be able to collect duvets, bed sheets and warm clothes. We will focus on the children but we will also do what we can to help the adults too.”
Since launching the appeal for items last week, Karen has been overwhelmed by the community response.
The former Morrisons worker added: “The response has just been fantastic by everyone that I’ve spoken to.”
For more information, visit Baby to Teen on Facebook.