One of the largest non-profit organizations in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is committed to providing aid and support in the wake of emergencies and disasters. Most recently, the Canadian Red Cross launched a fund to support the enormous humanitarian relief and recovery efforts in Syria and surrounding countries.
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent effort
Since early 2011, when the Syrian civil conflict first began, the needs of people in the country have consistently increased. Currently, about 3,000 Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers are delivering assistance in Syria. With the help of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is providing 1.5 million people every month with both food and non-food supplies, while responding to medical needs and improving water supply and sanitation.
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent is a National Society within Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, which means that despite the real dangers and extreme circumstances in Syria, the organization operates under the Red Cross' Seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. These seven guiding precepts have helped Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers persevere, even as many have been placed in peril and others have lost their lives.
Since the beginning of the conflict, 22 Syrian Arab Red Crescent workers have lost their lives. The Canadian Red Cross has joined members of the IFRC and called for the protection of Syrian Arab Red Crescent staff who are placing their lives at risk to bring aid and relief to the displaced residents of Syria.
With your help, the Canadian Red Cross and other members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can continue to make a difference in Syria and in neighbouring countries. By making your contribution, you can help bring relief, food and medical aid to millions of Syrians in need. Donate today online or at your local Canadian Red Cross office.