The University of Nottingham’s Jordanian Society is leading a university-wide effort to raise disaster relief funding to alleviate the suffering of people after the August 4 Beirut blasts. At present over a quarter of a million people have been displaced due to the destruction of their homes with many thousands injured.

In an effort to ensure that the funds raised go directly to those who are in need, we have decided to choose one charity to donate to. The charity chosen is the Smile & Olive Foundation (Basmeh & Zeitooneh) which is a UK registered charity (Reg No. 1177767- https://beta.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1177767) as they are well established with strong infrastructure on the ground and are not affiliated to any political or religious groups in Lebanon. They provide support to those most in need and are currently providing emergency food, medical, and shelter assistance through their on the ground teams. Please visit https://www.smileoliveuk.org and https://www.basmeh-zeitooneh.org/ or their Instagram @basmehzeitooneh to see how they are helping people in crisis.

The current relief needs are medical supplies, rubble clearance tools (shovels, brooms, protective wear for volunteers), food packs and food preparation equipment (refrigerators, ovens, stoves), hygiene packs, clothes, and children’s needs (clothes, diapers, baby formula).

All donations are greatly appreciated and below is an indication of what your donation can provide:

-Food baskets: ￡18 (family of four, for 4 weeks)

Food basket includes: rice, sugar, oils, tea, milk, cheese, grains, salt, pasta, flour, tomato sauce

-Hygiene baskets: ￡8 (family of four, for 4 weeks)

Hygiene basket includes: soaps, detergents, mops and surface cleaners, gloves

- Home refurbishment/fixing will cost between £700 - £8,000 per home depending on the extent of the damage.

*These are just indications as to how much relief efforts cost and your donation will be directed where it is needed by B&Z teams on the ground.

Follow @jordanian.society.nottingham on Instagram for fundraiser updates and information about the Beirut blast. Email josocuon@gmail.com for more information or with any questions. 

This fundraising page is linked directly to the Smile & Olive Foundation and all donations will automatically go to the charity’s UK bank account on a weekly basis and not through the University of Nottingham, the Students’ Union, or the Jordanian Society.