How Moms (and Baby Carriers) Are Helping Syrian Refugees

While American politicians argue over the settlement of Syrian refugees within U.S. borders, one California mom has found a way to make a difference in the lives of refugees while they are still thousands of miles away from U.S. soil.  

After seeing photos of refugee parents traveling hundreds of miles on foot while also carrying their young children, Cristal Logothetis decided to help by launching a small crowdfunding campaign. Her goal was simple: she wanted to raise $2,500 to purchase baby carriers that could be delivered to refugee families when they arrived on the Greek Island of Kos, and used as they continued their journey to safety in other European countries.

“Once they leave Greece, mothers have to walk hundreds of miles with babies and toddlers in their arms, a task that is physically strenuous to say the least,” says the project’s Indiegogo campaign story.

“Kos is only the beginning of a long and arduous trip for Syrian refugees, so we want to make sure their live are a bit easier with baby carriers that will lessen the weight and free their arms.”  

Carry the Future  

With relatives living on Kos who could help with distribution and Greece being a common entry point for many refugees, the logistics of Logothetis’ project made sense. But it is the public response to her campaign that has made headlines – and restored faith for many in the power of helping others in any small way you know how.  

In just a few short months, Cristal met – and far exceeded – her initial goal. The crowdfunding campaign, which kicked off in September, has raised over $78,000 to date. Donations of new and used carriers continue to pour in from across the country. And volunteers are personally delivering the carriers to Greece, fitting each parent and baby to ensure that they are properly fitted and used safely.

“Moms specifically – this [mission] really hit a nerve with them,” she told The Huffington Post. “I’ve been getting packages literally from everywhere.”

As the campaign continues to grow, Crystal and her volunteers are now moving forward as Carry the Future, a (soon-to-be) non-profit organization dedicated to hand-delivering baby carriers to refugees, wherever the need might be.

How You Can Help

According to Carry the Future’s Facebook page, there are a number of ways that you can contribute to this worthy cause. The growing organization accepts monetary donations, which allow them to purchase carriers at cost. Volunteers are also needed to complete a variety of tasks.

And, of course, there is still a tremendous need for donations of baby carriers, specifically soft structured carriers, too.  

What exactly is a soft structured carrier? If you’re not up on your babywearing terminology, it’s basically any baby carrier that has buckles or harnesses. Mei Teis, which feature a piece of cloth with four ties, are included in this category. Carry the Future will accept any brand or type of soft structured carrier, but their favorites include Ergo, MobyGo, Tulla, Mei Tei, Baby Bjorn and Kolcraft.  

Because volunteers have only about 2 minutes to fit carriers on refugees in crowded and chaotic harbors, Carry the Future is no longer accepting slings, pouches or wraps. These types of carriers have a significantly higher learning curve, and aren’t considered a safe or efficient option under these circumstances.

Carriers can be mailed to:

121 W. Lexington Drive

Suite L 106 D

Glendale, CA 91203

The Syrian refugee crisis is a complex humanitarian issue, and in the long run, these displaced families are going to need more than a simple baby carrier. But as parents, and especially as mothers, we have a better idea than most how terrifying it must be to care for your children under such unspeakable circumstances – and how much safety and security a child feels when carried close to a parents’ heart.

That’s how we know that, in a small but profound way, these baby carriers really are making a difference.