Fethiye’s expat group celebrates fifth birthday

Sometimes people have good ideas but until they come across the catalyst that can transform the idea into an inspirational plan, it often remains nothing more than thought.

So it was with a group of British women in Fethiye. All, in their own way, had been mulling over what they could do for the town they had grown to love.

As is so often the way, each had their own strength but together they had much more to offer.

Clarissa Reynolds, who died August 16, 2008 according chairwoman of Fethiye International Group, or FIG, Sue Tekin, was their catalyst and was instrumental in their group’s inception.

She must take credit for the subsequent success of FIG and its ongoing achievements are a tribute to her memory.

Highly successful events organized
Sue Tekin, with 30 years of experience in Turkey, excellent language skills, and respect from local people was an immediate choice for the committee and became an invaluable (and irreplaceable) chairwoman. Her background also made her a remarkable spokesperson and diplomat.

Reynolds, Tekin and others wanted to raise money and awareness about local children and their education for both Turkish and foreign residents and to work with Turkish organizations.

They were fortunate in being able to create FIG under the auspices of FETAV Vakfı, a charitable organization set up by the local authority and chaired by the Muğla Governor’s representative in Fethiye, the Kamakam. FIG was finally born in December 2003 and after some initial teething problems the committee produced a constitution that gave the group solidity and purpose. With guidance from FETAV and other local organizations, they were able to start raising money and distributing it as necessary.

With the help of Dilek Dinçer, the manager of FETAV, premises were found and a highly successful second-hand clothing and book sale was launched. For many in Fethiye at the time, it was the only outlet for European fashion. Also other opportunities we offered for local people to come together, while raising money, such as cookery courses, coffee mornings and Turkish lessons.

With the proceeds from this enterprise, books were bought for schools and later uniforms and shoes for underprivileged children. As FIG grew its funds were used to provide bursaries for university students and treatment and equipment for ill or handicapped youngsters. The projects are always organized together with the education manager for Fethiye and other appropriate organizations.

Everybody in the group works voluntarily
FIG has now left home. During 2008 the building where it spent its formative years was refurbished and so FIG had to pack its bags and find new premises. This meant that for the first time it has had to pay its way in the world. Rent and other overheads now mean that outgoings are up to 20 percent of income as opposed to 5 or 7 percent.

Nevertheless, and this is a very important aspect of FIG, everybody works voluntarily. No one takes a salary and often pay for sundry items such as photocopying out of their own packets.

Five years old and FIG is an example to us all. It is transparent in its day-to-day running Ğ its accounts are published online and as an exercise in community and social service it is an increasingly valuable venture.

To date, fundraising has meant that an excess of 100,000 Turkish liras have been awarded to community projects, individuals and businesses. Tekin recognizes that the current team is crucial to the future of FIG and she thanks them all with her whole heart.

For more information please visit the Web site at www.figfethiye.com.