This fundraising campaign, organized by the International Liaison Officer Council (ILO Council) in collaboration with the LEO Beirut West End Club, seeks to support a first aid regiment in Deir el Ahmar, Lebanon. The funds will provide essential medical supplies and equipment to first responders, helping them offer life-saving care to local communities and refugees impacted by conflict and economic instability. With winter approaching and access to healthcare limited, this initiative is crucial to ensuring immediate emergency care in a region facing mounting challenges.

Q1: 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.

Q2: Who is conducting this fundraising campaign?
A: The International Liaison Officer Council (ILO Council) with the LEO Beirut West End Club are conducting this fundraising campaign.

Q3: How can we trust them with the funding?
A: The ILO Council is composed of 25 International Liaison Officers (ILOs) representing the LEO (multi) districts of Europe and the Mediterranean region. Each ILO fulfils its role as an individual but also contributes to the Leo movement as a member of the Council.
Celena Samaha, the ILO of Lebanon, and John Chwah from LEO Beirut West End, are well known between the LEOs of Europe, participating in many of their projects, as well as LEF 2023 in Stuttgart.

Q4: 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.

Q5: 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.

Q6: Why Deir el Ahmar?
A: 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.

Q7: 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.

Q8: 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.

Q9: 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.

Q10: Why should European Lions support this cause?
A: European Lions have a long history of humanitarianism and support for global causes. Lebanon is at a critical juncture, and international solidarity can help provide much-needed medical care to those in need. By contributing, you’re directly helping to save lives in a region where health services are often inaccessible due to crises.

Q11: 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. You can also join our community on Whatsapp where we will share all the updates.

Q12: 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.

Q13: How can I donate?
A: You can donate through our secure online platform. Simply visit our website to make your contribution.
https://fundahope.com/en/campaigns/hope-for-lebanon-lifeline-for-families-in-crisis

Q14: Can I volunteer or get involved beyond donating?
A: So far, this campaign focuses on raising funds, but you can help us spread the word!

Q15: 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.

LEO BEIRUT WEST END
EUROPEAN LEOS