6 years ago we started a new project, collecting small change in the “belly bottle” for Aleppo/Syria. The faithful and the population are helping us tremendously! An ICO project (East Christian Initiative). We were so excited at the time that the local people started to rebuild their lives after the war (!). Most of you live below the poverty line anyway (not to be compared to our poverty line) and now this catastrophe.
The parish priest of the local Catholic Church in Aleppo said: The foundation of our Church of San Francisco withstood the earthquake. We opened our doors immediately after the disaster.
In Aleppo, 200,000 people are homeless and so far around 100 people have died, according to ICO project coordinator Stefan Maier.
“Five loaves and two fish”, as the soup is called, is in full swing. Before about 1000 people were cared for, now we are more than 5000 people who are cared for in parishes and emergency shelters, regardless of religion or origin, etc.
In addition, one of the worst cold snaps in recent years is currently prevailing. Many people have to sleep sitting up because space is limited, with another 2,000 sleeping in cars outside Aleppo in freezing temperatures.
Because of the existing sanctions, no one was allowed to go to Syria to help, thank God this was suspended for 3 months.
The solidarity and cohesion is incredible, blankets, food, etc. were immediately collected. for the victims, what little they had was immediately shared.
The ICO is the only institutional sponsor, ie: the ongoing operations are currently maintained only by the ICO. These donations arrive directly, as no one “takes away” anything
That’s why it’s very important for us to simply help this project, these people who were hit so hard, in the first place to support the cafeteria and, in the near future, build the damaged apartments. With that, we want to give a little courage, confidence and hope. If you would like to support us in helping, you are more than welcome. thank you very much
Our account: VB Bad Hall BLZ 43180 IBAN: AT 5644 800 310 9493 0001 PASSWORD: Aleppo
PHOTOS: ICO Stefan Maier
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