As winter blankets Türkiye and the surrounding regions in icy winds and freezing temperatures, countless refugees are left vulnerable, battling the cold with insufficient resources. But amidst this struggle, a heartwarming initiative led by Singaporean Students in Türkiye (STÜR), in collaboration with Global Ehsan Relief Worldwide, brings a ray of hope.
For the fourth consecutive year, this dedicated group of Singaporean students is spearheading a campaign to raise SGD 75,000 by December 31, 2024, to support Syrian, Palestinian, and Lebanese refugees, as well as displaced families in Gaza and Lebanon. In addition, Turkish individuals currently living in container houses following the devastating earthquakes in 2023 will be benefiting from the campaign’s support.
The campaign aims to provide food, winter clothing, and education supplies, ensuring the survival and dignity of those enduring unimaginable hardships.
Refugees in Crisis
The statistics paint a grim picture. Türkiye hosts nearly 3.6 million Syrian refugees, making it the largest host country for displaced Syrians globally. Many of these refugees live in inadequate shelters, often without heating, warm clothing, or even consistent access to food. The challenges for Palestinian and Lebanese refugees are equally dire, with constant violence and destroyed infrastructure in their countries exacerbating their plight.
Winter intensifies these challenges, turning every night into a battle for survival. Refugees face freezing temperatures without proper clothing, blankets, or nutrition. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, with hypothermia and malnutrition becoming fatal threats.
The Campaign at a Glance
Under the “Warmth for Refugees 2024” initiative, the funds raised will go directly toward:
- Warm Meals (S$10 per meal): Providing immediate nourishment.
- Education Supplies Packages (S$30 per set): Offering hope and opportunities for children’s education.
- Full Winter Aid Boxes (S$50 each): Combining meals, winter clothing, and education supplies to comprehensively support families
STÜR ensures transparency, with a minimal 7% or lesser administrative fee to facilitate on-site distribution. The students are also working hands-on to personally deliver aid, ensuring every donation reaches those in need.
A Call to Action
Speaking passionately about the project, Iman, an NUS exchange student and head of the initiative, shared the details.
How You Can Help
Every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant impact. Below are the ways in which you can contribute to this noble cause:
- Via Donorbox:
- Visit the fundraising page at https://donorbox.org/warmth-for-refugees-2024. Your donation will go directly to purchasing essential winter supplies.
- Available amounts for donation include:
- S$10: Warm meal for a refugee
- S$30: Education supplies package for children
- S$50: Full winter box (Winter essentials, warm meal, education package)
- Custom amounts can be contributed starting from S$1.
- Via PayNow:
- Send your donations to +65 9068 0277 (WFR2024) with the reference “winter“.
- This method allows for quick and easy direct contributions to the fundraiser.
Please make your donation before 31 December 2024 to ensure that the aid reaches those in need in time.
Iman and his team also encourage Singaporeans to share the campaign with friends and family, emphasizing the importance of collective action during these challenging times.
The Power of Compassion
In a world often divided by conflict, initiatives like these highlight the enduring power of humanity. The collaboration between STÜR and Global Ehsan Relief demonstrates that even in times of crisis, ordinary individuals can come together to make an extraordinary difference.
Keep up with the progress of this campaign via Instagram.
This winter, let us answer the call of compassion and help those in need brave the cold with dignity and hope.
Donate now and be the warmth that changes lives.
More from Wake Up Singapore:
Singaporean runs 10km in crutches to raise $10,000 for Gaza via UNWFP at the Singapore Marathon 2024
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