In 2015, 856,000 people passed through the Greek islands, and in 2017 and 2018 only just under 30 thousand (according to UNHCR). But 2019 brought already a growth – over 60,000 newcomers. Today, boats coming to Greek beaches are back again, and practice shows that you can get stuck in Lesbos for a good few years. Nikos and Katerina run a small restaurant on the island, where every refugee can feel at home and eat a meal for free.
08.08.2023
“This is our treasure.” Nikos and I walk through the olive grove. Nikos is different. Pride and calmness mingle within him. We talk almost in whispers. Later, it occurs to me how much respect he treats this place with.
Today marks exactly 9 years since the Good Factory was founded. 9 WONDERFUL YEARS! Wonderful thanks to YOU, who have helped us to save the people we meet. In 11 countries, on three continents. We save the needy from hunger, give shelter from war and we are there where without your support people would have no chance of any tomorrow.
Today, on the 9th birthday of the Good Factory, we want to introduce you to a long-awaited baby. The fruit of the labour of people whose dream of working has just come true. For the past years we have been feeding and healing. Today in Lesbos we are also teaching and giving work. The island is famous for its unique climate and its 14 million olive trees, the oil from which is considered the best, not regionally but globally. We have taken advantage of this by creating an organic farm and manufacturing facilities for the best quality olive oil.
Although every bottle of oil in the shops says ‘extra, extra’, you have to taste ours to find out what extra oil really tastes like. It is our treasure and we are proud of it. We are also proud of the refugees whose hard work is enclosed in these bottles. Our birthday pre-sale of NIKO’s oil has been launched. Treat yourself to a special gift on the occasion of our birthday ? By shopping in our shop, you will also give it to the refugees on Lesbos. This is not a business. The profit from the oil will feed those who are still stuck in the camp and need our help.
We are still in Greece. We will bottle the oil in the coming days. All your pre-orders will be shipped from 21 August.
20.06.2024
A refugee I am Forced to flee, I become someone I am not These few lines from a Lao Che song have been on my mind all morning. The World Refugee Day, which we celebrate today, could easily be called World Day of Helplessness, Lack of Solidarity, Fences, Barriers, and Lack of Hospitality. “In Nigeria, […]
27.08.2023
The unpaved road stretches for kilometres and winds down the mountainous slopes. It cuts through bone-dry pine forests. From here to Mitylena, the island’s capital, it is more than 40 kilometres. To any sign of civilisation – more than 10. Out of sight, out of mind of all outsiders, a gigantic new refugee camp is […]
14.08.2023
Onur was a baker in Kurdistan. He is not afraid of any job. Stately, broad-shouldered, hands like vices. They have strength and feel. He arrived in Lesbos eight years ago. Abdul got off the boat on a Greek beach a year later. In Syria, he was a mechanic. He has fixed up his decrepit old […]
