The Tent Collectors - Saving tents from landfill & donating to refugee assistance

Hello,

For those that I haven't meet, my name is Kate and I have a huge passion for giving back to the community. For those that know me well, you know this story and I thank you for all your continued support.

I have recently returned from volunteering in a refugee camp on Samos Island, Greece. There I witnessed incomprehensible sacrifice and absolute despair. The people living at the camp have risked their lives, making illegal border crossings and the treacherous journey in small, overcrowded dingy, from Turkey to Samos. They have no option but to run from their war torn countries in the hope of finding safety and a better life in Europe.

The camp, originally a former military base built for 650 people is currently housing over 5900 people. The vast majority of the refugees live in an area called the "Jungle" on the outskirts of the camp. They camp under olive trees, in flimsy shelters surrounded by garbage, human waste, rats and snakes. Provisions such as running water, basic sanitation and healthcare are not provided.

It is hard to comprehend, as the refugees are forced from their homes by wars out of their control then they arrive at Samos where conditions are close to unlivable. To make matters worse on October 15th, a fire broke out in the “jungle” area of the camp, almost 700 people, including some of my friends lost the few belongings that they had.

This summer, my partner Sam and I are launching The Tent Collectors to support this crisis. We will be collecting neglected tents, tarpaulins, sleeping bags & mats, from NZ festivals and sending them to the people living at the camp.

The benefits are two-fold, we are helping to reduce waste at festivals and helping those that need it. According to festival organisers and waste management companies, over one thousand tents are left after events throughout the country, and these reusable items go straight to the landfill. This is a major issue that event organisers are facing in New Zealand and globally.

We will be attending Rhythm and Vines including Woodlands Camping, Bay Dreams, Soundsplash and One Love.

The Tent Collectors are seeking funds to cover the cost of transport and logistics. They’re also looking for volunteers to join their team at the various festivals.

Thank you for all your support,

Kate & Sam