The religious community offers protection to those seeking help at its facilities in Aleppo.
Vienna (OTS) – Immediately after the devastating earthquake in the Turkish-Syrian border region, the Salesians of Don Bosco offered protection and help to the victims of the earthquake in Aleppo. Currently, more than 500 people find refuge in the Don Bosco work. They receive food, medical and psychological care, clothing and a place to sleep.
“People in Syria have already lost almost everything as a result of the civil war. Now they are literally left with nothing. The Salesians are on the spot and can therefore provide immediate help”, explains Br. Günter Mayer, Director General of Don Bosco Mission Austria. Psychological support is also important.
“We immediately opened our doors and welcomed many people in need. The challenges are enormous, but we will do everything to help people”, reports Salesian Father Pier Jabloyan, SDB, from Aleppo. It’s winter now and temperatures are freezing. Many people have to stay outside because their homes are destroyed or at risk of collapsing.
The Don Bosco facility in Damascus has already brought emergency supplies to Aleppo. “Although the people there don’t have much, the solidarity is great”, explains Br. Mayer. Donations are urgently needed to continue providing for people in Syria.
The Salesians of Don Bosco have been in Syria since 1948. Even during the civil war, they never left the country. Dom Bosco houses are located in Aleppo, Damascus and Kafroun. The focus is on helping children and young people.
For the lives of young people around the world to succeed
Don Bosco Mission Austria is part of the Catholic religious order of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Austria. We support aid projects to combat poverty and extreme poverty, especially for disadvantaged youth and street children. We also support social programs, youth centres, schools and vocational training centres.
Mission Don Bosco Austria donation account:
IBAN AT33 6000 0000 9001 3423
Donate online: www.donboscomissionaustria.at
Questions and contact:
Mag Brigitte Sonnberger
Mission Don Bosco Austria
Hagenmüllergasse 31
1030 Vienna
Telephone: +43 (0)1 878 39-521
Mobile: +43 650 39 39 132
[email protected]