You’ve probably heard about it on the news and seen the reports, but on March 16th, North Macedonia, the country where I was born, was plunged into crisis. Over 1500 14-18 year olds were watching their favourite band playing a private gig at a make-shift nightclub in a small town outside of Skopje, the capital, when fire broke out. There were NO fire exists and only one way in and out. Members of the band have sadly lost their lives along with more than 59 children. That death toll is going to rise, sadly.
The fire started around 02:30 local time (01:30 GMT) on Sunday when sparks from pyrotechnic devices hit the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material, according to news reports.
I remember being a young kid in Macedonia (when I visited my nan) and there wasn’t a lot to do. My cousins and I would go to nightclubs at age 14! I can’t begin to imagine how we would have coped if we had been involved in a disaster such as this.
Macedonia is not an affluent country by any means, and this town is actually struggling with poverty. We are heartbroken for the parents who have lost their young children, some of whom only had one child. There will also be lots of children who have survived but are facing disability and life-changing injuries, as well as PTSD.
My family and I would like to help raise funds, which will then be distributed on the ground in Macedonia, by either our family or local charities, to help those in need. There will be funerals to be paid for, rehabilitation costs, and mental health support needed. This awful disaster has sadly put Macedonia on the map. Please donate what you can, as every person penny will make a difference. Like I say, Macedonia is largely shrouded in poverty, so this could change people’s lives.
We feel powerless that we can’t change what’s happened, but we can make a difference now.
Thank you for your help.