I've raised £10000 to support vulnerable people in Lebanon impacted by Covid19
Organised by Impact Lebanon
Story
When it rains, it pours. While in the grip of an economic crisis, Lebanon is now in the midst of a Coronavirus outbreak, causing an already-difficult situation to become ever more challenging. The most inspiring phenomenon we have witnessed around the world in recent months is the close collaboration between Lebanese people coming together for a common goal: a better Lebanon. Impact Lebanon is now calling on the diaspora who historically always stepped up in the face of hardship back home, to once again offer their support.
With capital controls, the country on highest alert, and a lock down announced by the government on Sunday March 15, many self-isolating households will lose whatever livelihood they had left. This situation will leave our most vulnerable people at risk of not satisfying their basic needs. Cash-strapped Lebanese people will find themselves struggling to pay for food, medication, shelter, and other necessities. As we all move to self-isolation, let’s spare some of that disposable income to those who need it most.
In response, Impact Lebanon has been in touch with a number of NGOs in Lebanon that have an illustrious track record of providing a social safety net for the most vulnerable households in a transparent, equitable, non-sectarian, non-partisan, and efficient way.
We recognise that the Lebanese in the diaspora are keen to offer help and support to Lebanon, and hope that our transparent process will encourage you all to donate, knowing that your money will be well spent. Your generous contributions will be allocated to the following organisations: Amel Association, Beit El Baraka and Sanabel El Nour:
Amel Association: Amel is an independent nonprofit, non-confessional Lebanese organisation dedicated to saving lives and generating a democratic and prosperous Lebanon. Amel's call for solidarity is growing to include the corona virus outbreak. Due to the increasing fragility of the Lebanese health sector, the corona crisis will hit the country hard. This is why Amel has decided to be proactive in its fight against the global pandemic. Many of its activities involving crowds have been suspended. All medical centres have received extra resources and the relevant training enabling them to screen for the infection to the best of their ability whilst protecting themselves. In addition to these measures, Amel is building and spreading as many videos, texts, posters and flyers aimed at educating people on how to be proactive in the fight against the virus. Furthermore, this information is being disseminated in all of Amels centers and channels. As the outbreak worsens Amel will remain committed to acting as a special partner for the most vulnerable populations in Lebanon.
Beit El Baraka: Beit el Baraka’s mission is to ensure a sense of dignity to hard-working citizens once they retire, by assisting them in their struggle with the increasing cost of living. In a spirit of respect and support, it aims to provide a tailor-made accurate and beneficial response to Lebanon’s economic and multi-dimensional challenges that are depriving many retired citizens of their most basic needs and rights. Since the coronavirus outbreak, Beit el Baraka has had to change its model from centralised collection points to a delivery service to provide food and basic supplies to the homes of its 1,012 beneficiaries across all of Lebanon. Thorough protocols have been implemented to meet the strict hygiene standards required to protect the most vulnerable in the Lebanese society. Under this mounting pressure, Beit el Baraka needs our support now more than ever.
Sanabel el Nour: Sanabel el Nour’s goal is to help vulnerable people including children and elderly. Following home visits a thorough verification process, the Sanabel Annour team identifies vulnerable people in Tripoli and its vicinity, and provides them with food boxes as well as coverage for their hospital bills. Given the recent coronavirus crisis and to avoid mass gathering, the organisation has had to switch its operations to providing 150,000 L.L. to each household in need every 3-4 weeks. Their database currently holds 5,000 vulnerable households.
Please note that platform fees will apply to donations: 2.6% for overall money raised as well as 0.25£ per donation will be deducted from the total as fees for JustGiving platform. Please also note, for transparency reasons, that we will transfer the money to Lebanon and the transfer fee will be deducted from the total raised amount.
Impact Lebanon, a non-profit organisation, is a social incubator for driven Lebanese around the world. We aim to enable the Lebanese community to mobilize more effectively; share knowledge, resources and expertise and make activism accessible, impactful and sustainable for the Lebanese diaspora.
