Refugee Assistance: By families for families
Eckes-Granini is a family company that helps - especially when we see that the health and well-being of families are at risk. We are committed to help in all countries where we are present, and that includes Lithuania. Currently over 1,000 Iraqi refugee children under the age of 16 have found shelter in Lithuanian refugee camps, including 600 children under the age of 10. Families of Afghan interpreters who helped Lithuanian soldiers in Afghanistan and were flown to Lithuania over the recent weeks have also found a temporary home there with about 120 children.
Our national subsidiary Eckes-Granini Lietuva is the largest juice producer in Lithuania. There was no question for us whether we would help. Eckes-Granini Lietuva has donated more than 21,000 portion packages of Elmenhorster juice to the children in the refugee camps. The Lithuanian Red Cross, which handled the donation, estimates that this amount of juice should last for more than a month. In addition, our employees at Eckes-Granini Lietuva also donated various toys for the refugee children on their own accord - from families for families.
Juice and toy donations - a reason for joy
"A colleague of mine saw a report on the news about an Afghan man who thanked Lithuania for providing a safe haven for him and his family. He was shocked to hear that while living conditions are good, the children are in desperate need of vitamins in the form of fruit and juice," says Marius Gudauskas, CEO of Eckes-Granini Lietuva. "We very much hope that with our donation we can contribute both to better nutrition for the children and to a better mood."
According to Kristina Meide, Head of the Lithuanian Red Cross, the willingness of Lithuanian people and businesses to help migrant families is encouraging: "Unfortunately, the donors cannot see the joy with which each donation is received. The most welcome items are those that meet basic needs, such as hygiene products, warm clothes and shoes, and as well more nutritious food for children. Children miss attention and activities the most - they are delighted by every pencil or colouring book."
