a woman from bosnia who is supported by islamic relief winterisation programmes

Bosnia: “The clothes, shoes and firewood provided by Islamic Relief helped us survive winter”

As temperatures plummet and the cost of living continues to rise, the poorest families are facing a particularly desperate winter. Islamic Relief is a lifeline for thousands of families across 17 countries, including Bosnia, where Mevlida lives with her 2 children.

“In the war I lost 2 brothers and my father,” says Mevlida, recalling the horrors of the Bosnian War in the 1990s. “I found and buried my brothers, but I never found my father.”

Since her husband died of a heart attack, Mevlida and her children have been living with extended family, but the mother-of-2 is unemployed and it is hard to make ends meet.

“My oldest son does some seasonal work and mows grass to earn some money. He is a metal welder, but no one is hiring for that right now. He has tried to get a job as a merchant or waiter, but to no avail. I look after our cow; we have milk and a little cheese.”

Life is difficult throughout the year, but at winter the family’s situation becomes even more dire.

Mevlida, a woman from bosnia who is supported by islamic relief winterisation programmes

Winter is always hard for us; the weather is very cold and harsh. There is not much work that can be done to earn money. Everyone is clearing the snow from their doors and their homes. Our expenses are highest during this season, and we cannot earn much.

Mevlida, a rightsholder from Bosnia supported by Islamic Relief's Winter programme.

The winter survival assistance the family received last year made a difference, Mevlida says.

“Islamic Relief has helped us a lot with packages of clothes, winter shoes, and firewood. This has helped us a lot, thank you so much. I want to thank you for your help, and for helping everyone’s children.”

This winter we aim to reach 455,000 people with vital survival items like warm clothes, fuel, and blankets.

Please help vulnerable families like Mevlida’s survive the winter season: give generously to our Winter Appeal.