Dear Editor:
Many of us were shocked on Aug. 4 by the explosion that took place in Beirut. We watched in awe-filled horror as the explosion and mushroom cloud appeared on our screens over the city. We were further shocked by the damage: over 130 dead, 5,000 injured, 300,000 homeless and the shattered city.
I lived in Beirut between 1966 and 1971. I remember visiting the port. The events of last Tuesday had me looking at Google maps recalling where we lived, the location of the school I attended, where my father worked, and so on. My heart is broken for the people and the city of Beirut.
As Canadians, we have opportunities to give financially to support the relief effort, to help with the rebuilding of the city, and to help feed the thousands of Syrian refugees who were already in the city before this disaster happened.
The Government of Canada will match contributions made to the Humanitarian Coalition, a collection of 12 aid agencies in Canada who are doing work in Lebanon. Donations must be made by Aug. 24.
People can donate to one of the member agencies of the Humanitarian Coalition or to the coalition directly at humanitariancoalition.ca and the funds will be sent where the need is most acute at that moment.
Thank you for letting your readers know about this opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Peter Bush,
Fergus