Canadians can make a difference for Syrian refugee children

World Vision appeals for contributions to relief efforts for Syrian refugees in Lebanon

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The winter season is looking bleak for thousands of children and their families who have fled their homes in Syria to neighbouring Lebanon. While the world struggles to come to terms with the Syrian crisis, World Vision is asking Canadians to make a donation to its relief efforts to help refugees and their families in Lebanon.

"Right now, an estimated 100,000 Syrian refugees are staying in Lebanon, including more than 60,000 children," says Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada.  "Many of these families fled with little more than the clothes on their backs. Some are staying in makeshift accommodation or living with host families in Lebanon. These people desperately need help."

World Vision is supporting approximately 3,500 Syrian refugee families in eastern Lebanon by providing hygiene supplies, baby kits and food vouchers from the World Food Programme. The humanitarian agency is in the process of scaling up its response to help an additional 6,100 families by providing blankets, clothes, stoves, fuel for six months and also by re-opening Child-friendly Spaces to provide support to children who cannot attend school in Lebanon.

"Children who've fled Syria for Lebanon have seen their lives turned upside down in the past several months," Toycen says. "Many have witnessed violence against friends and family members during the conflict.  Our Child-friendly Spaces offer children a chance to return to some sense of normalcy through play and informal learning in a safe environment."

World Vision has launched an online appeal to raise funds for its relief efforts in Lebanon. Canadians can learn more about the agency's work in the region and how they can help by visiting www.worldvision.ca.  As well, in his role as World Vision Canada's president and CEO, Dave Toycen will be visiting Lebanon next month.  During his time there, he will meet with World Vision staff involved with the relief effort and hear stories from the Syrian refugees.

Toycen says: "This year, we can provide hope for thousands of Syrian refugee children who are caught up in the crossfire of this conflict.  I urge Canadians to make a donation to our relief efforts as soon as possible."

To learn more about World Vision's work with Syrian refugees in Lebanon, please visit www.worldvision.ca or call 1-800-268-5528.

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

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