As we feared, the winter snow has come in blizzards over Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, making already harsh conditions far worse for Syrian refugees in the camps. The tents they live in are substandard in the extreme cold and health is suffering badly.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported last Friday that the challenges in the region have increased, but the resources are not enough and they need to enlist the support of the international community.

In a race against time UNHCR, governments and their partners have worked in recent days to replace damaged tents, provide repair kits, deliver emergency supplies and provide alternative shelter for those who were forced to flee their homes due to the harsh conditions. However, despite these efforts, the situation across the region remains precarious for most refugees who already live in extremely critical conditions.

In the camps we work in, thanks to a generous donation just before Christmas we were able to provide shoes for all of the children in the schools. Project manager Nuna said “The children were soooo thrilled! They were walking in the snow with plastic slippers and yesterday they all came to school with their new boots!”.

What we need to do now is raise just over £65,000 for the running of the schools this year. Included in this is the price of wood to keep the spaces warm and cozy through the weather as well as other essential supplies for the children for Winter. So all financial support we can get at this time is vital.

Find out more about the refugee schools in Lebanon.
Read our past news stories on Lebanon.
Donate to the project.

Thank you for your support

You may remember an intrepid group of walkers last year organising three stunningly scenic, circular walks in Dorset to raise money for our projects.

The event was organised by one of our ambassadors, and this year the ‘Maxse’ group are back with another five gorgeous routes covering the Dorset Coast and Hardy’s Hills between the 25th and 29th March.

The good news is not only that they’re raising money for us, but that the event is open to everyone, human and canine alike. If you’re a keen walker, then you can go the whole hog and complete all five days, or for those with time (and energy!) constraints you can just pick out a day, or join the group for a morning. It’s a very flexible programme, just have a look through the schedule, and then sign up to what you’d like to do.

Highlights include unspoiled valleys and hills, a visit to Mapperton Manor gardens or Kingscombe Meadows Nature reserve, spectacular views of Chesil Beach, the renowned gardens of Littlebredy and Nettlecomb Tout (featured in Tess of the D’Urbervilles). Routes also give views of the Blackmore Vale, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the fabulous coast path past the Old Harry Rocks.

To charge up walkers for the challenge there will be options of pub lunches or picnics depending on your preference. Dogs can join in the trek for a small charge and 100% of the money goes to both our work and the work of The Institute for Cancer Research.

We wish the walkers all the best for a wonderfully fresh-aired and rosy-cheeked time.

For any questions about the event please e-mail Sally Marien.