The collection for this relief operation was successfully closed on November 8th 2015. You are still welcome to contribute financially to the cause by donating to the following account:
Postkonto SMM: 30-649185-9 (note: Sammelaktion 2015)
IBAN CH68 0900 0000 3064 9185 9
We would like to thank all the congregations, families and individuals who participated in the relief operation to aid refugees in the Near and Middle East. The solidarity and willingness to help has been overwhelming. The number of kits collected has reached an impressive total of 1422!
The current reports on television and the internet caused many Europeans to contemplate how we can help. Communities and individuals have praised this practical method of response and are thankful that they and their families are able to do something concrete to help others in need.
In one town, all churches in the community came together to support the cause, including a Catholic priest who advertised the relief operation with a kit in his hand. Along with Switzerland, the Mennonite congregations from France, Germany and Holland are also quite pleased with the result of their operations.
The collected goods were packed in Switzerland with the help of volunteers into one large shipping container (12m x 2.5m x 2.9m) on November 19th. On November 21st they were sent by ship to Rotterdam, before departing for Syria on December 1st. The container arrived in the Syrian harbour Latakia on December 22nd, where it was transported to Damascus. As of January 30th the authorities have given the green light to have the goods be released. The Syrian Orthodox Church, along with MCC, will be responsible to distribute to those in need.
