Cyprus-Forum.com

[Oracle]

I think Cyprus needs to accept that not everyone can afford the latest handbag, pair of shoes or electronic toy!!.

Perhaps you need to appreciate and accept the differences in culture

Most Cypriots would do without if they cannot afford something, rather than buy second-hand. It's never been a problem for a classically non-materialistic society to live without that "handbag".

As for orphanages, I don't know if there are any major ones, but again the cultural norm with such extended families, is to take care of each other and not rely on the State.

I hope that is clear, but I must say I have had stuff turned down by various Charities in the UK because they were overwhelmed with discarded goods and did not have enough manpower to sift through everything.

But welcome mari ... and have you been on Cyprus long?

[SSBubbles]

I think Cyprus needs to accept that not everyone can afford the latest handbag, pair of shoes or electronic toy!!.

Perhaps you need to appreciate and accept the differences in culture

Most Cypriots would do without if they cannot afford something, rather than buy second-hand. It's never been a problem for a classically non-materialistic society to live without that "handbag".

As for orphanages, I don't know if there are any major ones, but again the cultural norm with such extended families, is to take care of each other and not rely on the State.

I hope that is clear, but I must say I have had stuff turned down by various Charities in the UK because they were overwhelmed with discarded goods and did not have enough manpower to sift through everything.

But welcome mari ... and have you been on Cyprus long?

Agree in principle with this O, but kindly remember that Cyprus is multi-national and not all can afford even the basics so charity shops are a Godsend for them. I used to work in a charity shop over here and some people just used them as a 'rubbish tip' as some of the items we received were utter rubbish and ready for the bin! I never volunteered my services back home, but no doubt this may also the case there - hence the 'overload'!

A great number of my friends offer their services here but they are always on the look out for more volunteers - especially now during the holidays!

I watched a documentary about charity shops in the UK a few years back and many shops will only accept 'designer' labels Whatever next

[LENA]

To be honest I dont know any orphanage in Cyprus. Usually happens what Oracle said. Other members of the family take care the orphans, like grandparents etc. But I do know families that they use second hand clothes. Also nowadays we have families from poor countries. One of the families I found out that they need help (actually a lady) she came pregnant in Cyprus and her man left her so she is struggling and she need baby clothes, toys and anything she can get. The woman is from Romania. So if she is staying in Cyprus and she is in need why the Red Cross can not accept the clothes, toys etc and help this kind of families? That's why I believe its a shame. And I agree with Mari that Cypriots have many taboo.

Mari can you post the organizations which accept your goods.

[mari]

Apostolos Lukas in Polemidia, Limassol accepted toys, books, small items of furniture. I would recommend that you visit rather than simply call. There are probably another two or three Special Needs Centers in that locaton as well as The Red Cross Hospital for Sick Children. Another fantastic organisation that can do with more support is The Pregnancy Center in Nicosia. They collect cots, bedding, and clothes for chidren up to 3 years of age.

[denizaksulu]

I found out that Red Cross in Cyprus dont collect old clothes, toys or whatever. They generally dont accept material.

What is going on here. They accept only money? Why? We dont have poor families in Cyprus? And if we dont...none of the neighbor countries have?

Lena,

Hard Cash is more versatile and less costly to help others than clothes, toys and other good stuff. With cash they can buy what they need right now and get it to the needy right away, but all other things need people to pick up, sort out, store, and then deliver. It just takes too much "manpower" and logistics.

I think the Red Cross's motto should be, "SHOW ME THE MONEY".!

Yes you are right Kikapu that money can buy the right things eg medicine or food etc. But you cant imagine how many families need clothes and toys for the kids. I already found two families and plus the Dog shelter all those things will not go wasted.

Lena, KAR (Kyrenia Animal Rescue) accept all kinds of 'unwanted' clothes and toys. Soft toys are a favorite of the dogs. It helps them rid their aggression. There must be a 'Charity Shop' in Cyprus. Such a lovely person as you are you could open one. ( I am not kidding)

[roseandchan]

hi deniz, i have a problem when so called charity shops, buy new merc vans for the job, when transit vans are cheaper to buy run and service. or when the workers use the charity for their personal gain. i remember lots of people in the uk claiming to be charitys and getting caught. they are investigating some of the churches in the usa at the moment. maybe we should just help people in need we know, that way you give,they get help and nobody can skim off a profit. look at how expensive oxfam xmas cards are, how much actually goes to people in need?

[denizaksulu]

hi deniz, i have a problem when so called charity shops, buy new merc vans for the job, when transit vans are cheaper to buy run and service. or when the workers use the charity for their personal gain. i remember lots of people in the uk claiming to be charitys and getting caught. they are investigating some of the churches in the usa at the moment. maybe we should just help people in need we know, that way you give,they get help and nobody can skim off a profit. look at how expensive oxfam xmas cards are, how much actually goes to people in need?

In the UK, I find it difficult to depart with my hard earned cash for that reason. I always help on the personal level. I can see the smile on the needy then. It encourages me more.

I have a few neighbours with very posh limousines (Mercs). One of the ladies of their vast household told me they were two brothers in the new evangelical church, where the congregation are very generous. The household are the proud owners of two Limousines and three 4x4's. Do I say anymore? All week they are at home living the life of................(I say no evil )

[LENA]

Thank you Mari!

[roseandchan]

the church can't be paying too well deniz, as anyone who has a limo knows you only by a lincoln. we had one once, used it for private hire. (and shopping at tesco). amazing people use to ask me 'did you win this weeks lottery?' always a laugh when you have a limo. repair bills were not so funny! i can remember when hubby was collecting a friend from southend airport, he came home and said he had met peter stringfellow, and who was he?

[denizaksulu]

the church can't be paying too well deniz, as anyone who has a limo knows you only by a lincoln. we had one once, used it for private hire. (and shopping at tesco). amazing people use to ask me 'did you win this weeks lottery?' always a laugh when you have a limo. repair bills were not so funny! i can remember when hubby was collecting a friend from southend airport, he came home and said he had met peter stringfellow, and who was he?

Yes indeed. Who is he?