Making the trip with her friend Michelle Vee from Perth, Carol is volunteering with A Drop in the Ocean, a Norwegian not-for-profit humanitarian organisation which provides aid to refugees, especially women and children. 

To date, nearly 12 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes as the ongoing civil war in Syria continues to rage, with many fleeing to neighboring countries and overseas to escape the dangers and violence of the conflicts. 

Carol, who also volunteers with St Johns Ambulance, hopes to bring her medical background to the experience and make a positive contribution towards the lives of people affected by war. 

Some of the tasks Carol will undertake at the camp include food distribution to approximately 850 refugees at the Souda refugee camp, organising activities for the children and packing clothes for refugees in the warehouse.  

"We need to be kind," she said. "It's not fun for these refugees to have to leave home because their lives are at stake and have to find ways to survive without shelter, electricity, food and water. 

"My journey is about raising awareness and doing what I can to help. We are very lucky and very privileged to be living in Australia." 

Besides volunteering, Carol and Michelle are calling on the community to support their efforts with donations.

“For example, AUD$4 typically spent on a coffee could go towards the purchase of a toothbrush and toothpaste for someone in need of such basic essentials,” Michelle wrote.

“We intend to use the funds to purchase essential items such as clothes, headlamps, footwear and whatever is urgently needed.

“Any remaining funds will be donated to A Drop in the Ocean so they can continue with their dedicated work in refugee aid.”  

Visit https://www.gofundme.com/helptherefugeesinchiosappeal to donate.