YOUNG people were on the frontline volunteering immediately after an explosion that rocked Beirut a year ago, and now Australians are being asked to lend a hand.
Caritas Australia is supporting Caritas Lebanon on the ground in Beirut as the nation, which was already struggling with political and economic crises, recovers from the blast.
The explosion at the capital’s port on August 4 last year killed more than 200 people, injured more than 7500 and left about 300,000 homeless.
Caritas Australia is inviting Australians to further help Lebanon through the Middle East Regional Appeal.
“The Beirut blast came at the worst possible time for Lebanon,” Caritas Australia’s program co-ordinator for global programs and partnerships Suzy McIntyre said.
“The country was already grappling with political turmoil, economic ruin, the challenges of hosting over a million refugees from Syria and the Palestinian territories, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing protests against the government.
“The blast brought another hurdle to communities that were already struggling.
“It’s also tough for the country to rebuild when the economic situation is so poor.
“The country is deeply in debt, which means that everyday people find it nearly impossible to pay for basic goods, and there are long queues to withdraw money from ATMs, or to buy fuel, food and medicine.
“To have the destruction from the blast on top of all that is a massive challenge, although certainly a challenge that many volunteers have met wholeheartedly over the past year.”
Ms McIntyre said young volunteers responded to help Caritas Lebanon immediately and distributed food kits, medical first-aid kits and hot meals to people affected by the explosion.
“Caritas Lebanon quickly mobilised a passionate force of selfless young people who showed such great respect to community members,” Ms McIntyre said.
“They have experienced one crisis after another and still have the incredible desire to serve others.”
Since the blast, Caritas Australia has supported Caritas Lebanon to distribute hygiene kits, food kits, and hot meals to those in need.
Caritas Lebanon has also supported with medical and psychological first aid, medicine and repairs to damaged housing.
Visit caritas.org.au or call 1800 024 413 toll free to provide much needed support through the Middle East Regional Appeal.
