In response to the urgent need for medical supplies in the southern Lebanese village of Ebl Saqi, heavily affected by the ongoing conflict, the Rotaract Club of Aley launched the “Shop عالبناني” fundraiser. This initiative, led by Yasmina Azzam, was a collaboration with a local online business called Lze2a and the ESYN (Ebl Saqi Youth Nature) organization, with a primary goal of raising funds to provide critical medical supplies for the community.
The project proved to be a strong demonstration of community resilience and support.Through the sale of custom-designed items, such as tote bags, water bottles, key chains, earrings, stickers, pop sockets, and stainless-steel mugs—each item featuring designs celebrating Lebanon's heritage—the fundraiser successfully raised $150. With about 40 people purchasing the products, the initiative received contributions from 4 club members who helped implement the project, making a collective impact on the lives of displaced families in Ebl Saqi.
The funds raised are directed toward supporting a medicine drive aimed at providing much-needed medical supplies to the residents of Ebl Saqi, who have been severely impacted by the war. The collaboration with Lze2a, which offered customized items at discounted prices, allowed the fundraiser to offer unique and meaningful products while simultaneously supporting a vital cause.The items, with their distinct Lebanese-themed designs, not only acted as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Lebanon but also helped raise awareness about the dire medical needs in conflict-affected areas.
The project aligns with the Rotary Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment,as it directly addresses the health needs of the affected families in the south, ensuring they have access to the medical supplies they need to survive and recover. Despite not applying for any global grants for this project, the Rotaract Club of Aley worked closely with local organizations to identify the most pressing needs and how to best address them.
While no direct sponsorship was received beyond the business collaboration with Lze2a,the success of this fundraiser was a testament to the power of local partnerships and the willingness of businesses to support charitable causes.The impact of the project was profound, both in terms of the funds raised and the broader message it sent about the importance of community solidarity during times of crisis.
The initiative exemplifies the Rotaract Club's commitment to Extending Legacies.By acting swiftly in response to the immediate needs of displaced families and supporting the local community, the club demonstrated its vision of creating lasting change, particularly in times of crisis. This project not only helped provide vital medical supplies but also reinforced the club’s ongoing commitment to addressing urgent needs and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by conflict.
The planning and execution of this fundraiser followed a series of well-coordinated steps:
“Shop عالبناني” continues to serve as a reminder of how community-driven initiatives can make a significant difference,especially in times of crisis. Through this fundraiser, the Rotaract Club of Aley was able to take meaningful action, supporting displaced families and contributing to Lebanon's healing process. This project is just one of many ways the club remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable populations in Lebanon while extending the legacy of compassion and solidarity for years to come.
