Cypriots send smiles to Syrian refugee children

The conflict in Syria rages on. Well into its fourth year, neither the fighting nor the flow of families seeking safety and refuge in nearby countries show any signs of slowing. To date, more than 2.7 million Syrians have registered as refugees in neighbouring countries and millions more are displaced within Syria.

World Vision has been supporting Syrian refugees in Lebanon for more than two years by providing: psychosocial support for children, access to education, hygiene kits, blankets, stoves and food vouchers, among other things. Nearly 100,000 people have been helped in Lebanon alone, and nearly 340,000 across the wider region.

Recently, together with many generous individuals, businesses, organisations and institutions as well as the help of more than 40 local volunteers, World Vision Cyprus, based in Nicosia, was able to send a shipping container, with 228 boxes and suitcases filled with blankets, clothes, shoes and toys to ease the burdens of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, if only temporarily.

The cash and items generously donated by individuals, schools, universities, businesses and churches were able to bring at least temporary relief to more than 1,250 Syrian refugees, reminding them that they are not alone.