To leave or to stay? Many Syrian and Iraqi families face that question as the conflict continues to rage around them. International humanitarian assistance is dwindling and the patchwork of resources they used to rely on is wearing thin. To leave is to risk their lives over dangerous seas and through countries hesitant to open their doors. But to stay is also a great risk. Responding to this crisis is MCC’s largest ever humanitarian effort, but the needs are growing faster than the resources are coming in.
While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of people in need, there are three ways you can make a difference:
- Give a donation to MCC's humanitarian work in the region.
- Learn how you, your church or other organization can get involved with refugee sponsorship.
- Support a peaceful solution to the crisis
- Pray for peace in Syria and Iraq and for all those who have been affected or displaced by the conflict.
1. You can help provide vital humanitarian relief by giving to MCC’s Syria and Iraq crisis response.
In the region MCC has 27 ongoing projects delivering emergency relief. Through our partners we are providing food and rent assistance as well as essential items such as relief and hygiene kits, clothing and kitchen supplies. MCC is also supporting peacebuilding work, education for displaced children, trauma healing and will provide supplies to keep people warm in the coming winter.
One MCC partner, Popular Aid for Relief and Development (PARD) told an MCC representative for Lebanon and Syria, that “MCC's sustained food security for these families, over two years ongoing, along with education for their children have given them a sense of dignity, hope and reason to hang in there while they wait to return home to Syria.”
We also distribute relief and hygiene kits, providing essential supplies to families in need. We are in urgent need of 2,000 relief kits and 8,000 hygiene kits — learn more about how you can make a kit or find a drop-off location near you.
2. Learn more about how you or your church can sponsor refugees to come to Canada.
Help people find safety and a new home. In Canada MCC has a long history of resettling families. Refugee coordinators provide support throughout the process from assisting with applications to welcoming the family and helping them establish a new life. Learn more about how you can get involved with refugee sponsorship or read our frequently asked questions.
MCC is also accepting donations designated to our Refugee Program in Canada and to refugee sponsor groups that MCC has approved as part of this group.
3. Support a peaceful solution to the crisis
4. Pray for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and for the millions of displaced people caught in the violence.
You can use this prayer for refugees and displaced people on the MCC Ottawa Office blog.