Credit: UNICEF/Delil Souleiman

With winter fast approaching, UNICEF Luxembourg has teamed up with Cactus to provide Syrian refugee children with warm clothing, blankets and other assistance to keep the cold at bay.

UNICEF has recalled that millions of Syrian children are still trying to flee the conflict, which has been ongoing for almost nine years now. These children often endure unparalleled violence and limited or no access to safe drinking water, adequate nutrition and health services. Now they face another danger: winter.

Whilst the Middle East is often associated with mild winters, the reality is very different for people in refugee camps in Syria and surrounding countries where winter very often reaches icy temperatures. This can become another blow for these children whose health is already weakened by displacement, lack of medical care and limited access to adequate nutrition. Hypothermia and respiratory infections pose serious threats to the health and lives of these children. In addition, the cold weather can put some children off attending school.

Thanks to its donors, UNICEF plans to help 1.1 million children in Syria and neighbouring countries with this winter action. The priority is to reach the most vulnerable children including the youngest, the poorest and those living in hard to reach areas. To protect them from the cold, UNICEF is distributing warm clothing and blankets, as well as providing cash assistance for families to heat their shelters and buy essential goods and medicines. In addition, UNICEF is heating schools to ensure that children can continue their education during the winter months.

The Luxembourg public can support this initiative by donating to UNICEF Luxembourg via bank transfer: IBAN LU71 1111 2144 2050 0000 (reference: WANTER) or online at www.unicef.lu/wanter.

In addition, between 26 November and 8 December 2019, Cactus customers will be able to make a donation when paying at the till. By presenting a barcode card, available from each till, they can add €5 or €12 (or multiples) to their purchases. Cactus customers also have the opportunity to donate 500 points (€5) or 1,200 points (€12) with their Cactus Customer Card.