With the COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, the world is hopefully awaiting the end of the coronavirus pandemic. But in the Aida refugee camp in the West Bank, worries about the winter are overshadowing the hope of the vaccine.

More than 5500 people currently live in the refugee camp, in cramped conditions and with poor sanitation. After months of fighting the economic and health effects of the pandemic, the resources of many families, as well as local organisations, are depleted. The coronavirus outbreak has caused the unemployment rate in the camp to skyrocket to more than 80%. Some people can’t even afford to buy a packet of bread, which costs around $1. Now that temperature is dropping, the number of cases is expected to rise, while hospitals in the area are already overwhelmed.

Moreover, many children in the camp have missed out on months of education. As most families do not have access to a computer and a stable internet connection, children have been unable to keep up with school. The Aida Youth Center requires funds to provide educational support, so the children don't fall further behind.

We are asking for your contribution to show solidarity and support the people in Aida Camp. Your donation will be used to provide the residents of Aida with essentials that are currently severely lacking.

What can you give?

Any donation is welcome, however here is an indication of what your donation could give to a family in Aida Camp:

£15 - basic food package ($20 or €16,50)

£18.75 - thick blanket ($25 or €20,50)

£22.50 - electrical heater ($30 or €24,75)

£30 - healthy food package ($40 or €33)

£52.50 - educational support for one child for a month ($70 or €58)

£60 - cost of insulin for one person for one month ($80 or €66)

For more information about Aida Camp, click here .

Why is the currency set to Pound Sterling? There are a number of fundraising platforms out there, but we have negative experiences with some of them. Others websites require NGOs to be registered in the USA. Fundraising in and for Palestine remains difficult! JustGiving (a British platform) allows us retrieve the funds immediately and without difficulty. We apologise for the inconvenience if you usually pay in a different currency.