First Aid Project in Lebanon

Join us in providing critical humanitarian aid in Lebanon. Together with the Leo Club Beirut West End, we are delivering essential relief for 25,000 refugees in Deir el Ahmar.

How you can support us:

Donations from clubs or individuals that do not require a charitable deduction should be deposited into the following account:

Account holder: Lions Clubs International District 114-M

Account name: Leos-Libanonhilfe

IBAN: AT34 1200 0100 3581 0166

For donations for which a deductibility is desired, the austrian aid organization (HÖL) is at your disposal.

www.lions-helfen.at/produkt/erste-hilfe-projekt-libanon/

action code: O5X ( Otto-five-Xaver)

About the project

Background: Lebanon is currently in a deep economic and political crisis, which is being exacerbated by the regional conflict. The ongoing tensions and war in the region have severely destabilized the country, further worsening the humanitarian situation. The already weak infrastructure is overburdened, especially in rural areas such as Deir el Ahmar, where around 25,000 refugees are housed in difficult conditions. The First Aid Regiment, a local humanitarian organization comparable to the Red Cross, is doing valuable work there to meet the needs of the refugees. However, due to the large number of people in need of help, additional resources are urgently required.

Project Goals: After an online workshop organized by the European Leos on the topic of Leos and crisis aid with over 150 participants, we are now trying to implement a concrete project: In cooperation with the Leos of the Leo Club Beirut West End, we are planning to improve the humanitarian situation in Deir el Ahmar. The Lebanese Leos will purchase urgently needed equipment, such as medical supplies and other supplies, and deliver them directly to the First Aid Regiment. The European Leos are supporting this effort together with the Lions through fundraising and organizational help to provide the necessary funds. The equipment is procured locally and delivered in person to maximize efficiency and provide assistance to the refugees as quickly as possible.

Our Partners: We work closely with the Lions District 351 Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, the DG Joseph Abou Khalil and the Leo Advisory Panel CA IV Europe. The financial platform has been established by Lions Multi-District 114 and District 114M in Austria.

Credit: First Aid Regiment

About Deir el Ahmar

Deir el Ahmar, located in the northern Bekaa region of Lebanon, has become a rare safe haven for over 50 villages in the midst of ongoing conflict. Originally designed to accommodate 1,000 refugees, the village is now sheltering more than 5,000 refugees in its two official schools, in addition to countless others residing in private homes. This overwhelming influx is placing immense pressure on the village's infrastructure, depleting its resources and stretching its capacity to help those in need.

The situation is compounded by the region's isolation. Deir el Ahmar is surrounded by conflict, and the only remaining safe road that connects the village to the outside world becomes impassable during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. From the first snowfall until June, this road is closed, cutting off access to critical supplies and services.

This is why immediate help is crucial. With winter approaching, the village is in urgent need of medical supplies, food, and basic necessities to support the growing population of refugees during the harsh months ahead.

Credit: Anthony Rahayel

Updates & News

20th of November 2024: Meeting with the First Aid Regiment

In our recent meeting with the First Aid Regiment in Deir el Ahmar, we discussed the urgent challenges they face and their immediate needs. After receiving promises that an ambulance will be provided, their focus has shifted to collecting the necessary equipment to outfit it, which has now become their top priority.

Their dedication to saving lives in such challenging conditions highlights the urgency of our campaign to provide them with essential resources.

25th of October 2024: Presentation at the Lions Europe Forum

At the Lions Europe Forum 2024 in Bordeaux, France we had the opportunity to present the project at the speaker corner and at the workshops of the Leo Advisory Panel CA IV Europe.

15th of October 2024: Online Workshop: The Role of LEO at armed conflicts

With 150 participants from 13 countries we had the opportunity to spread awareness about the situation in Lebanon both physically and psychologically. We also could get input from previous LCI crisis relief initiatives, the United Nations emergency coordination and the earthquake crisis relief from Lions and Leos in Türkiye Also we could discuss the question how Leos can help at armed conflicts.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this fundraising campaign?

A: This campaign aims to raise funds to support a first aid regiment in the village of Deir el Ahmar, Lebanon. The funds will be used to provide life-saving medical supplies and equipment to first responders on the ground who are often the first to assist in emergencies, conflicts, or disasters.How will my donation be used?

What is the first aid regiment?

A: The first aid regiment in Deir el Ahmar refers to a group of 40 local volunteers trained by the Red Cross who provide emergency medical care and first aid services to the residents and refugees in the village.

The regiment typically works under difficult circumstances, with limited medical supplies and equipment. They often serve as the first line of defense in responding to injuries, illnesses, and emergency situations in the community, providing life-saving care before patients can be transferred to larger hospitals.

Why is there a need for a first aid regiment in Deir el Ahmar?

A: Deir el Ahmar is facing significant challenges due to ongoing economic instability, political unrest, and the current war between Israel and Lebanon. The healthcare system is strained, making it harder to respond effectively to emergencies. Supporting the first aid regiment helps ensure that more people receive immediate medical attention during war time, saving lives in critical moments.

Who are the people benefiting from this initiative?

A: The primary beneficiaries are the vulnerable populations in the Bekaa region, including local communities, refugees, and people caught in emergency situations. These are individuals who may not have immediate access to professional medical care during this war and rely on first aiders for life-saving support.

How will my donation be used?

A: Your donation will go directly towards purchasing medical first aid equipment such as a vacuum mattress, a hydrolic combi tool, and help provide much needed equipment to the regiment’s headquarters like a solar system, heaters, and beds, to ensure that they can keep going with their mission.

How can we make sure that donations will not reach terrorist organizations?

A: We understand this concern and take it very seriously. Our fundraising efforts are managed with strict transparency, ensuring that all donations go directly to verified local partners and trusted organizations on the ground. In particular, Deir el Ahmar, a village with a Christian majority, has been well known for its political stance against Hezbollah. Even during periods of conflict, local authorities have consistently denied entry to any armed, injured, or personnel publicly affiliated with Hezbollah. The village maintains strict criteria for accepting refugees, ensuring that aid goes to those in genuine need, while ensuring that no support inadvertently aids extremist groups. Additionally, all funds are tracked through audits and detailed reporting to guarantee they are used solely for humanitarian purposes.

How will I know that my donation is making a difference?

A: We are committed to transparency. Donors will receive regular updates on the progress of the first aid regiment, including reports on how the funds are spent and the impact they are making. Stay informed on our project’s progress! Visit our news section for regular updates and detailed information on how funds are being utilized.

Can smaller donations still make a difference?

A: Absolutely! Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Collectively, small contributions add up to create a significant impact.

What is the long-term goal of this project?

A: The long-term goal is to create a sustainable first aid regiment in Deir el Ahmar that can continue to function independently, providing ongoing training, resources, and support to communities in need. This will ensure that the first aid regiment remains effective even in the face of future challenges.