Since the beginning of 2013 so far, nearly 10,000 refugees have sought protection in Bulgaria. Of these, almost 6,400 people received humanitarian or refugee status. At the same time, xenophobic moods crept into Bulgarian society, accompanied by outbursts of racism and hatred to the vulnerable victims of war and violence in various parts of the world. In response, a number of NGOs called on society to show tolerance and understanding and conducted donation campaigns in the most critical moments. Thousands of Bulgarians responded and helped with whatever they can to those in need.

Eighteen months later, the vehement feelings seemed to subside yet the widespread distrust towards refugees among Bulgarians continued. So the campaign of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee and "Meet the refugees" Multi Culti Collective to mark World Refugee Day on June 20^th draws attention to the real human stories of asylum seekers in this country. "The campaign aims to debunk major myths associated with refugees", says Bistra Ivanova from Multi Culti Collective:

"We present refugee stories of people who have integrated into Bulgarian society, who know Bulgarian and they found work. Also we present many people who, due to the donation campaigns, generously joined to help with whatever they can. That’s why we have invited donors and volunteers to share their stories and observations on the fate of refugees."

Among the first people to reach out to the needy in whatever way they can is 87-year-old Angela Velikova from the village of Golyam Dervent located on the border with Turkey. Descendant of refugees, she is not afraid of the refugees who have crossed the border, no matter that she does not understand what they say. She feels their grief, pain and can read the horror of war in their eyes, sympathizing with their suffering:

"You cannot count them. Children, men, women ... They are passing by, the police are taking them, and they are silent, what can children do? I am helping them because my mother was like them, when she was 11 years old her family was seeking refuge. I remember her recollections about how she cried, how her family had nothing to eat. That’s why I feel compassion for them. I give them bread, cheese, some sweets to the children, whatever I have..."

You will hear similar stories mostly from the people who, like grandma Angela, have managed to collide with the fate of refugees. The volunteers who have devoted their energies to refugee causes also have a lot to tell. So the organizers of the campaign invite anyone who is in one way or another involved in the lives of refugee families in Bulgaria to share their experiences and thereby encourage more people to open up to volunteering and philanthropy. Refugees in this country need mostly tableware, preserved baby clothes and shoes for the season, toys and, most of all, a touch of human warmth and understanding.

English: Rossitsa Petcova