Here’s What You Can Do to Help Syrians in Aleppo
The ongoing battle over the Syrian city of Aleppo seems to sadly be coming to a close. The city has been under siege for years. Back in April, it was reported that over 30,000 rebels had been killed in the fight for the city, many of which were innocent civilians and children. As pro-government forces have claimed back most of the city, devastating messages have been posted online from Syrians still in the territory.
In a video to her followers posted on Twitter, activist Lina Shamy tells the world, “We are here exposed to a genocide in the besieged city of Aleppo. This may be my last video. […] Every bomb is a new massacre. Save Aleppo, save humanity.”
Abdulkafi Alhamdo, an English teacher, activist and father also posted a video on Periscope while trapped in Allepo. He pleaded to all his viewers, “I hope you can do something for Aleppo’s people, for my daughter for the other children.” Alhamdo and Shamy are only two of the thousands of people in Aleppo who fear death is just around the corner for them. It’s devasting to watch. So what can you do to help? Here are three easy ways to start:
1. Spread the word. Helping a cause doesn’t have to mean donating money. In the Internet-reliant world we live in, sharing content on social media is key to bringing awareness to an issue. Above is a super informative video by NowThis that covers what’s currently happening in the Syrian city. Share to inform your circles.
2. Donate to a charity aiding in the mission. This is an obvious but always necessary option. If you have a little bit extra in the bank and you’re willing to put it towards this crucial cause, there are a handful of organizations working to help Syrians in distress: The Syrian Fund, Save the Children, American Refugee Committee and Women for Women.
3. Do your Christmas shopping through Amazon Smile. Instead of going to Amazon’s homepage, head to Amazon Smile instead. Input the Syrian-aiding charity of your choice (there are 107 options to choose from) and proceed to Amazon to do your shopping. It’s the same store with the same prices, but by going through Amazon Smile, 0.5 percent of your total purchase is donated to the charity of your choice.
How are you helping Syria? Share with us on Twitter @britandco.
(Photo via AFP/Getty)