World Vision's Dave Toycen to get firsthand look at Syrian refugee crisis

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 13, 2013 /CNW/ - World Vision president and CEO Dave Toycen will be visiting Jordan and Lebanon next week to bring public attention to the plight of 1.6 million Syrian refugees who have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries.

"Over the past year, Canadians have watched Syria's agony unfold through media reports and the United Nations announced today that the ongoing civil conflict has claimed more than 93,000 lives," Toycen says. "Of the more than one-and-a-half million refugees, estimates are that more than 50 percent are children, and they are facing an uncertain future in countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq."

Mr. Toycen will arrive in Jordan on June 17th and will visit the site of the Azraq refugee camp, which will house more than 130,000 Syrian refugees. He'll also meet with Syrian refugee children and their families who are living in host communities in Jordan.  Mr. Toycen will visit Lebanon on June 19th and will be in the country to mark World Refugee Day (June 20th). He will visit with Syrian refugee children and families in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, where World Vision is helping more than 80,000 people.

WHAT:	Media interviews from Lebanon and Jordan about Syrian refugee situation and response
WHO:	Dave Toycen, President and CEO of World Vision Canada
WHERE:	Azraq, Jordan and Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
WHEN:	June 17-18th (Jordan), June 19-20th (Lebanon)

FACTS AND STATS:

• The UN estimates that 6.8 million Syrians are in need of aid, including 4.25 million internally displaced persons. An additional 1.6 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq

• World Vision has provided assistance to over 80,000 Syrians in Lebanon, and plans to double the number receiving assistance over the next six months.

• Watch a video from World Vision International president Kevin Jenkins regarding his visit to Syrian refugee families in April 2013

• Follow Dave Toycen's visit to Lebanon and Jordan via Twitter at #toycenontheroad

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

MEDIA CONTACT:  Dave Toycen will be available for interviews during his trip to Lebanon and Jordan. To arrange an interview, please contact Bob Neufeld at 647-622-2045 or via e-mail at [email protected]