Heartbreaking suffering and fear in Lebanon

7 August 2006

The YMCA of Lebanon is working to provide medical relief and basic supplies to those in greatest need. But they need your help. Terry Waite reports.

The images of suffering, violence and fear from Lebanon are heartbreaking.

A million people have fled from their homes and are in desperate need.

A number of years before I was taken captive in Lebanon, I founded Y Care International, the charity of which I am now President.

Y Care International works through the YMCA of Lebanon – a remarkable community organisation whose people and work I have known and respected for many years.

Providing medical relief

In this crisis the YMCA of Lebanon is working through its network of 450 clinics and dispensaries to provide medical relief and basic supplies to those in need.

They are making a remarkable response. But they need your help. A gift of £50 would make a real difference.

Beyond this, for many years Y Care International has supported the YMCA to help disadvantaged and disaffected Lebanese young people, training them to participate actively in public life and directing their energies into more positive responses to their situation.

Peacefully engage young people

The need to rebuild self-esteem and the peaceful engagement of young people will be greater than ever once the current violence subsides, and the YMCA and Y Care International will be there during this process.