Lebanon Needs Our Help!

My name is Coco Louise, and I am a Lebanese woman residing in Australia.

I was raised in Lebanon and hold my fondest memories of growing up there close to my heart. Some days I even feel as though I am reliving those times-- they make me smile, chuckle to myself and sometimes even make my heart tighten from nostalgia. I still call them the best days of my life.

I left Lebanon for Australia when I was a teenager in pursuit of my dreams, but in doing so, I had to leave my family-- especially my mum-- and closest friends behind.

While I've still been in close contact with them, lately whenever I've asked how anyone is doing, the answer is, "we are just surviving".

You may have already heard by now that the country is running with no access to food, fuel, electricity and medication. The problems have escalated since the 2019 Revolution, COVID-19 and the 2020 Beirut explosion which saw 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate ignite in the heart of the Lebanese capital. Since then, my people have been experiencing the devastating effects of severe inflation and prolonged economic depression.

Hospitals, pharmacies and bakeries are closing. People are hungry and many are dying. I cannot stress enough the dire and immediate need to provide essential services to them.

I've been helping my people in every way that I can, but I recognise that they need more help than I can manage.

So I plead with you to join me in helping them.

Since it's risky to send packages of goods to Lebanon from Australia (as they may get stolen), I will personally be transparent and responsible for the funds raised from this fundraiser. All funds that are raised will be sent to my cousins in Qatar, where they will buy medication, health supplies and food for the Lebanese people. This is to maximise every dollar, avoid inflation in Lebanon and ensure that the goods arrive safely to those who need them. My cousin Zak will be flying to Lebanon to personally distribute the goods so that everything can be accounted for.