There is change in the air, and with our days a bit chillier and shorter, we hope our April update finds you snug and warm. Last month, the civil war in Syria officially entered into its tenth year, and here at ShelterBox Aotearoa, we've been reflecting on this heartbreaking milestone.
 
 


Described as the worst humanitarian crisis of our time, this conflict dates back to March 2011 - when peaceful public demonstrations began, calling for democratic reforms. 

To date, 12.3 million people have been forced to flee - seeking refuge in emergency camps, with limited food, and no protection from the harsh winter temperatures.

Syria's future is as uncertain now, as when the fighting first broke out. 

But, we know that when families are far from home, and traumatised from their experiences, having a safe place to call home is invaluable. That's why we're committed to providing Syrian families with emergency shelter and essential aid. Since 2012, we've supported more than 400, 000 people in Syria.

But, this wouldn't have been possible without you. Today, we want to thank you. But, with humanitarian assistance needed now more than ever, we also ask that you stand with us, and help us reach more of the world's most vulnerable.


Ngā manaakitanga,
 
 
 
 
Learn More

Umm's Story of Survival

After a plane bombed their village in Syria, Umm and her family were forced to flee their home, with nothing more than the clothes on their back: “two rockets fell next to us. We fled from our house and took refuge in a cave. The children were crying, and the situation was scary”.

Umm's family now lives in a crowded displacement camp in northern Syria. Life is hard, and coronavirus has added an extra threat: "the children are always in the tent to prevent getting sick. We don't have enough blankets ... we use everything we have to keep warm. When we got here, we found life very difficult”.
 
However, alongside our partner ReliefAid, we were able to provide Umm, and thousands of other families, with a ShelterKit, filled with essential items, including a cooking set, tarpaulin, and tools: “you helped us with the materials, and we thank you very much because the kit helped us a lot".
 
"We used to feel cold and now we are keeping warm. Now we sleep and sit on the mattress, we used to sleep on the ground. The blankets are good for keeping warm, the water containers keep the water clean for drinking. The lamp for lighting, tarpaulins we put on the ground. Thank you”.
Read More Stories from Syria
 

Our Winter Warmth Bundles

As thousands of families flee from violence, often with nothing more than the clothes on their back, they are forced to face Syria's freezing winter conditions with no protection.

That's why we provide families in Syria with our Winter Warmth Bundles, which are specifically designed to keep families warm, and reduce their vulnerabilities. These bundles include items such as carpets, mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, solar lights, water carriers, and insulated baby sleepsuits.

Check out the smiles of joy and hope they bring!

 
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D9930 CO-ORDINATOR
Stephen Dorrington 
(Tauranga)