Online sites that are projects for good

If there’s one thing corona has taught us, it’s that no man, woman, or child is an island. We are all – as the authorities so often tell us – in this together, and we need to start acknowledging that what we do affects the common good.

For some, however, taking care of other people (be they family, friends, or complete strangers) long preceded the pandemic. Here are three amazing local sites which all, in their own special way, work quietly for the benefit of others.

THE PEACEFUL POETS

“Poetry is an excellent tool for processing difficult feelings,” says Arianna Koudounas. “And in Cyprus, we have many difficult feelings to process.”

The founder of the Instagram account @PeacefulPoetryofCyprus, Arianna is based in Washington DC, where she’s an urban planner by day, and a poet by night. “I have always written poetry – privately, for my eyes only – and thought to myself that poetry could be another valuable tool for engaging and empowering individuals to process their feelings, envision the future they want to see, and take action: starting with finding their voices through poetry,” she explains.

“Poetry is a form of expression that allows an individual to lend their own perspective while simultaneously inviting others to engage with those perspectives. Since poetry can be so open to interpretation, the reader has agency in the way they engage with the words written.”

A page which uses poetry to heal divisions – be they geographic or linguistic – and encourage healing, Peaceful Poets publishes posts in three languages: Greek, Turkish and English. “We have a continuously growing network of volunteers who help translate and edit poems before they are published,” says Arianna. “It is a really good feeling to know that nearly every submission has been touched by at least four individuals: the poet, the translators and editors for each language, and the artist who has submitted a work of art to accompany the poem.”

Launched in early December 2020, the page is already inspiring “many more individuals to bring forth their own perspectives: be they in the form of a poem, or by engaging me in a private conversation, or by sharing their artwork,” says Arianna. “This bi-communal, tri-lingual collaboration is truly a thing of beauty. It is proof that we know how to work together towards a common cause: peace.”

For more information, visit the Instagram account @peacefulpoetryofcyprus

THE NECESSITY PROVIDERS

Based in Vrysoules, events organiser Pearl Dela Antoniou is the woman behind Free To Collector – Cyprus, a Facebook group that connects those who require a necessity with those who have it. Requests for everything from blankets for dog shelters to winter coats for refugees show up on the page, along with donations of washing machines, desks, fridges and boxes of crockery. Proving, says Pearl, that one man’s trash really is another’s treasure!

Launched in November 2020, the group helps people all over the island, especially “those who have been badly affected due to Covid, mothers who have very little for their baby/children, animal shelters that need essentials for the animals, people needing furniture, refugees in need of blankets and warm clothing… The list goes on and on!” says Pearl.

Catering to those based permanently or temporarily in Cyprus, the group already has over 5,000 members, and anyone and everyone can join as long as they abide by the group rules, which include ‘no selling, no bad language, always be kind, polite, and grateful, and only ask for what is essential’.

“It’s a place where people can get rid of unwanted items,” Pearl clarifies, “but also a place where people can ask for things they are in need of without feeling embarrassed or being shamed. It makes me so happy that people in need benefit, and that the group has shown there are so many kind people in Cyprus willing to help others…

“It really proves we’re a loving, kind community on the island, and the impact that Free To Collector has had on so many people in times of need has absolutely blown me away. It really warms my heart.”

For more information, visit the Facebook group ‘Free to collector – Cyprus’

THE CHARITABLE CRAFTERS

Leoni, Bev and Margaret are ‘The Ladies That Do.’ And what these three Oroklini-based retirees are doing is creating beautiful, handmade cards for charity.

The Facebook page is called Recycled Cards For Charity, and that’s exactly what happens, explains Leoni. “We’ve been making unique one of a kind cards for seven or eight years now, and supplying the Pasykaf shop,” she continues. “But we only recently launched our Facebook page…”

Before Covid-19, the trio would meet once a week. “We’re basically a self-help group,” laughs Leoni. “I used to have a craft shop, and we started out using supplies that were slightly damaged and couldn’t be sold, along with card, envelopes and protective sleeves that I donated. Then, when Covid hit and the shop had closed, we used the leftover stock, and asked for donations of any unused craft supplies.”

Since the pandemic, the ladies have been crafting their unique cards from their own homes: “During lockdown I spent every day in my craft room making cards. By the time we could meet again I had made nearly 100 cards, and so we launched our Facebook page.”

Each of the beautiful handmade cards is sold at a price of €2.50, and 100 per cent of the takings go to charity. “Once we reach €50, we decide between ourselves where the money will be donated,” says Leoni, mentioning that since the launch of the page in June 2020, over €600 has gone to local charity organisations.

“I think the highlight is that we get to create one-of-a-kind cards that people appreciate, and from which every penny goes to charity,” she adds. “When you buy a Recycled Card For Charity, your money really is – 100 per cent – going to help those in need.”

To buy a card, offer your help, or donate craft supplies, visit the Facebook page ‘Recycled Cards for Charity’