Barbara Heywood: Help-in-Hands

Two weeks ago, a life-changing event occurred at Casper’s Bar/restaurant on Adnan Menderes Bulvari.

May 10-16 was National Disability Awareness Week, and Didim Help-In-Hands were invited to attend organised events such as the Mayor’s breakfast at the Harbour Tea Garden, a celebration at the Disabled Training Centre (which was built by donations from the expat community) and a picnic at Orman Kampi.

There were many disabled people, young and old, at these events but one little girl in particular attracted the attention of H-I-H.  

On Wednesday, 4-year-old Gulumsu Nazar Suvari was carried from her home to the Centre by her mother, to join in the social event.

Although she is 92% disabled her little face and eyes reacted to the people and music around her.

H-I-H wasted no time in agreeing that both mother and daughter needed help. One hour later a suitable chair had been ordered and to say the mother was gobsmacked would be an understatement!

A discussion between H-I-H and the Social Department followed and it was arranged that on Friday H-I-H would visit another seven families who were in desperate need of support.

It then became obvious that the family of another little girl, 5-year-old Kadernaz Sandik, who is autistic and 98% disabled, was in dire need of help. As before, within an hour a 2nd chair had been ordered.

Now, this is where the fabulous warm-hearted crowd at Casper’s come in. All during this exceptionally long cold winter, Ozden, Alastair and friends have been doing quizzes, raffles, Play Your Cards Right etc., to amuse themselves.

As you all know  playing these games to win money is illegal so the prizes such as wine, sausages, sweets etc were donated by local businesses and Casper’s own customers.

All the monies paid to enter the games was designated for Help-In-Hands, and the incredible amount of 3,523 lira was raised!!! Now,it doesn’t take a genius to add 2 + 2 together.

So, recently, the two girls and their mothers were brought to Caspers and presented with their very own state-of-the-art wheelchairs in front of all the lovely people who made it  all possible.

To those of you who supported H-I-H over the winter, give yourselves a pat on the back. You’re wonderful.