We are a charitable and non-profit organisation within the meaning of the German Tax Code. This means that we use your donations exclusively and directly for the purpose of our organisation, i.e. for emergency aid on the ground, especially in Syria, Lebanon and Turkey. If we did not do this, we would lose our certified charitable and non-profit status and would have to stop our voluntary work.

In accordance with our Articles of Association (§ 3 and 5), the Executive Board team decides to whom exactly how much money is paid. This is done in consultation with our trusted local contacts, Rima in Istanbul and Jamel Alhasan (photo), a journalist in Idlib. We transfer the money to our partner organisation "Emergency Response Team" in Gaziantep, Turkey, from where it is sent across the nearby border to Syria. Jamel Alhasan receives it there. He pays it out in our name to the Step Amal School, for example, or to the families in need that we support. The recipients receive the money in Turkish lira and sign a payment confirmation, which Jamel in turn sends to us. He documents each transaction with a photo, which also shows the ID of the person receiving the money.

Conversely, this means that Jamel does not distribute the money on its own initiative, but merely implements the board's decision. This is important to know, as Jamel - understandably - is constantly being asked for additional help in Syria. However, as we maintain a trusting relationship, the Executive Board naturally listens to Jamel's recommendations when it identifies additional people in need of help.

We have agreed this procedure in writing with Jamel.

Basically, the more money you donate, the more people we can support. We provide our tax office with evidence of the money's journey, the transfer to the recipients and the activities, such as the school, that are made possible by our money.

Important for your tax return: As a rule, it is sufficient to provide proof of donations to charitable organisations of up to 300 euros with a copy of the relevant bank statement. For donations over 300 euros, you will automatically receive a donation receipt from us at the beginning of the new calendar year. You can also receive a donation receipt for donations under 300 euros on request (just send us a short message).

Become a RIMA member! We are not only pleased about your donation, but also about your membership. As a member you can - in addition to your financial support - contribute to the further development of our organisation. We are always happy to receive ideas, initiatives and constructive criticism.

You can contact us at any time via Matthias van der Minde,

info[at]rima.life (please use the @ sign).

We will be happy to get back to you!

Thank you in advance for your attention and your donations!

Yours

Klaus Tschierschky, Jens Nasemann, Ieva Karpovic, Matthias van der Minde