The humanitarian needs in Beirut, Lebanon are immense following the recent explosion, which has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in a country currently hosting the largest number of refugees per capita.
Lebanon is also struggling with environmental and economic uncertainties along with the affects of COVID-19.
Some of the most urgent needs on the ground include emergency medical services, such as transportation for patients to hospitals for urgent care, shelter, food, water and personal protective equipment for responders during the pandemic.
The Lebanese Red Cross and the Palestine Red Crescent Lebanon Branch are working to coordinate emergency relief efforts to get help to the people affected as quickly as possible.
Canadians can help by making a financial donation to the Lebanon Humanitarian Needs Appeal online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
Money raised for this appeal will enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help individuals in Lebanon affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, as well as the recent explosion. The cost of fundraising, such as processing donations, issuing receipts, or reporting back to donors will not exceed five per cent.
If Canadians are looking to re-establish contact with non-Canadian family members who may have been impacted by this explosion, the Canadian Red Cross Restoring Family Links Program helps people re-establish contact with family members internationally when separated by emergencies or disasters. If anyone is searching for someone who is not a Canadian citizen, please contact familylinks@redcross.ca.
The Red Cross is the largest disaster relief organization in the world with community-based and global support systems ready to respond to severe emergencies.
For more than eight years, the Canadian Red Cross has been working in partnership with the Lebanese Red Cross to meet humanitarian needs in the country and continues to offer solidarity and support in their response.
