Malaysia has already been ranked as the world’s 10th most generous nation, but this is probably going above and beyond, even for charitable Malaysians.
25-year old Rayyan Haries flew all the way to Greece to help with the worsening refugee crisis hitting the nation and all of Europe. Opening a kitchen in the village of Skala Sikaminea on the island of Lesbos, Rayyan has made it his mission to coordinate and volunteer at a relief centre that feeds some of the 2,000 refugees arriving from the Middle East and Africa – per day.
Rayyan, who still works full-time as a digital strategist while helping out in Lesbos, came to the attention of Mashable, who featured his crusade.
He has learned how to make (an approximation) of the strong black tea most favoured by Syrian refugees, in order to make them feel more at home while waiting for a better life in Europe. He also cooks up soup for the new arrivals at his relief centre, often with ingredients and spices he brought with him to Malaysia.
“You know, food is hope, and even after all of this (the boat journey), wherever the refugees go, Sweden, Germany, that final destination is so far from here. It’s so hard, and you want to keep that hope for better going,” Rayyan said.
“I’m just here to cook for people, to see hot, steamy, delicious, nutritious food being dished out everyday, that’s all I want to do.”
Photo: Kelly Lynn / Mashable
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