World Vision CEO and Chief Advocate call on Australians to drive out the darkness from Syria

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

World Vision’s CEO, Claire Rogers, and Chief Advocate Tim Costello are making an urgent appeal for Australians to help ‘drive out the darkness’ in Syria as the agency launches a massive relief operation for the tens of thousands currently fleeing Aleppo.

The call is part of a global social media campaign #Candle4Syria launched by World Vision to raise awareness and funds to meet the escalating demand for food, shelter, and basic medical supplies as the evacuation of Aleppo continues.

“We are asking people to light a candle, pray, share – and give. If people want to help us drive out the darkness in Syria, they can light a candle and share it on Facebook or Twitter as well as give to our Syria Appeal,” Ms Rogers said.

“Even with the recapture of Aleppo, the 5-year war in Syria is far from over. Millions of people have lost loved ones and been displaced from their homes. Many are forced to survive in cities and villages where fighting and senseless deaths continue.”

Chief Advocate, Mr Costello said it was important the world showed Syrians that they have not been forgotten despite the horrific violence many of them have had to endure.

“In the words of Martin Luther King Jr: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that."

World Vision has been on the ground in Syria, providing humanitarian aid since the beginning of the conflict, and has already begun distributing blankets, kerosene heaters and hygiene kits to thousands in West Aleppo in recent days.

“We’re delivering clean water and sanitation services, supporting health clinics and hospitals, and providing spaces for women and young children to seek refuge and receive support,” Mr Costello said. “We've also pre-positioned thousands of blankets and mattresses for those fleeing Aleppo in freezing temperatures.”

Mr Costello said in addition to supporting relief efforts, we all have a collective responsibility to translate outrage into action.

“We need to send a clear message to our political leaders that, at this decisive moment, history will judge us – and those with the power for change must step up to alter the course of this conflict.” Mr Costello said.
 

What people can do:

  1. Express Solidarity: Put a burning candle in your window, take a photo or video clip and post it with the hashtag # Candle4Syria on Facebook or Twitter.
  2. Support Syrians by giving to World Vision’s Syria Appeal

For interviews with Tim Costello, contact Leah Swann:   0421 857 591

Media Releases, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Claire Rogers, Conflict, Emergency, Foreign Aid, Refugee Crisis, Tim Costello, World Vision

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