The Leros Boutique Offering Dignity and Hope to Refugees

On Leros, there is a place that distributes more than clothes and essential supplies. It offers dignity, relief and hope.

Known as the boutique of humanity, it is where Matina Katsiveli, long recognised for her humanitarian work, and a team of solidarity volunteers have kept one of the island's most practical forms of support alive for more than 25 years.

Working consistently, quietly and with a deep belief in human dignity, they support more than 3,000 refugees who pass through Leros each year. They provide clothing, hygiene supplies and other essentials that help people endure extremely difficult conditions.

The effort goes beyond material assistance. It is an act of civilisation, a way of life and a lesson in solidarity with people uprooted or persecuted around the world.

When everything appears lost, standing beside another person with respect and dignity and offering practical help has immeasurable value.

We thank everyone who supports our effort to stand beside people with dignity, Ms Katsiveli told Leros News.

The Leros News camera recorded Ms Katsiveli speaking about this important and long-running initiative. The report by Nikos Ignatidis and photographs from the premises appear below.

Read more from Leros News in English.