700,000 Syrian refugees have been officially registered as taking shelter in Lebanon. But with the borders with Syria being notoriously porous, the reality could very well be near to one and a half million Syrian refugees in Lebanon. When you consider that the entire population of Lebanon is less than 4 million, you can appreciate that this ratio of refugees to citizens within the country is enormous!
Family Care Lebanon (FCL) has been active in Lebanon since 1995 and our volunteers have manned various humanitarian projects geared to assisting the neediest in Lebanon. These past 12 months, we’ve enlarged our mission so as to come to the rescue of hundreds of Syrian families. About half of the refugees’ population is literally camping out in the northern region of Akkar and the valley of Bekaa, near the border, with the rest of them are scattered throughout Lebanon. Due to the present instability within Lebanon, it is very much up left to local NGOs and similar humanitarian organizations to take the initiative and respond to the needs of these displaced people.
We partner with a number of local institution, four of whom we would especially like to highlight:
-Tahaddi Center, is caring daily for 120 street children, giving them basic care and education. They have since adopted over 100 Syrian children who otherwise would be roaming the street and begging for food. We are very anxious to assist them regularly.
-Restaurant du Coeur This soup kitchen association opened a restaurant to feed, on a daily basis, over 200 Syrian refugees. And this number is increasing by the day! They are always so thankful for our collaboration.
-Hospital Quarantina. Also known as the ‘Hospital for the Poor’. They are doing a fantastic job in caring for those who cannot afford the expensive fees of the health care in Lebanon. The staff there is very committed and rely heavily on the material aide that we can pass on.
-Lebanese Food Bank Through a network of companies and friends, we are able to collect large amounts of foodstuff for distribution to needy people. LFB has vehicles and personnel to do the job and completely trust us to direct them to needy families and institutions.
Despite the help that we are receiving, the need remains enormous. We therefore would like to make an appeal to anyone who would like to participate in this colossal humanitarian endeavor. Your financial gifts would go a long way here and make it possible for us to purchase the items needed to alleviate the suffering and trauma of these refugees. Since winter is fast approaching, we are especially anxious to get warm clothes and blankets for them.
And last but not least, please pray with us that violence will subside and that men of integrity will rise up and make the right decisions so that peace can prevail.
A heartfelt thank you for considering our plea towards the refugees in Lebanon.
Bruno Freulon,
Project Manager