OPU became involved in the refugee problem in Georgia after the conflict with Russia that culminated in 2008. The war did not last long, but it particularly affected areas of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, where fighting and loss of life occurred. Up to 192 000 refugees were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge elsewhere in Georgia.

In 2012, OPU opened the Chamomile House Refugee Centre in Georgia, which served mainly the elderly. Located in the town of Khashuri, it served as a Day Centre where seniors could meet and share their difficult past together. But over time the house began to deteriorate and after the covid-19 pandemic, the house stopped being used altogether. Now we want to revive it again and give new strength not only to the seniors but to the whole community. Get involved too!

The Day Center is a little-used but all the more needed service in Georgia. The center includes a community room, laundry, ironing service, sewing workshop, laundry and personal hygiene services. But clients can also "just" watch TV in the warmth, play board games or talk with their peers. Many of them no longer have anyone and the Centre was a bright spot in their lives.

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The centre also provides ample space for the whole community and the local school, which used the site for leisure activities for pupils, bringing together multiple generations.

We are seeking support to run the Chamomile House, which costs £200,000 a year. We would also like to introduce heating to the first floor of the centre, replace some windows and insulate the ceiling. After the modifications, the first floor of the centre can be used as a year-round hostel for tourists, thus increasing its financial sustainability.

Thanks to the Centre, people stopped living in isolation and started spending their time in a meaningful way. Thanks to you, the Day Centre for the Elderly can open its doors again!

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