Beirut, Lebanon - At least 50 families among the thousands of Syrian refugees in Lebanon have received aid from a special UPF program.
Thanks to funding from UPF-International and the International Relief Friendship Foundation-Germany, UPF-Lebanon began giving cash donations to some Syrian refugee families from August to October 2014 and did a major distribution on Dec. 26, 2014, to more than 50 families.
In addition, they distributed 33 boxes of food, toys and clothes that had been collected by students of the Lebanese American University.
During the past two years Lebanon has had a great influx of refugee families fleeing the civil war in neighboring Syria. The estimated number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is close to 1.2 million, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The UN and many other organizations are trying to help the refugees, who are completely lacking in shelter, food, clothing and other necessities.
Due to this very difficult situation of the refugees, and their great need, UPF-Lebanon initiated a special aid program in early June 2014.
UPF-Lebanon chose a refugee camp that has 53 families living in very humble tents. These tents are not waterproof, so when there is heavy rain, the tents become flooded. Further, there is no electricity. In addition, the refugees are in great need of warm clothes, blankets and medical care.
UPF-Lebanon representatives have been visiting the camp regularly, together with Lebanese Ambassadors for Peace and young volunteers. Thanks to the support coming from other nations, UPF-Lebanon plans to continue aiding these refugee families in 2015.