Over half of Syria’s population has been displaced and over 400,000 people have been killed since the beginning of this conflict in 2011. Five years later, the crisis continues, and today, it reaches a breaking point in the country’s most populated city, Aleppo. Heavy bombings on the city leave civilians in unimaginable conditions: Critically injured, trapped and desperately making their final pleas for help. With no end to the bombings and mass displacement in sight, humanitarian relief is dire and Canadians can be the ones to help. If you want to help, here are some organizations in need of immediate support and donations.

The White Helmets 

Working under the motto “to save a life, is to save all of humanity,” the White Helmets has some of the first responders to rescue people from the blood and rubble after an air raid. You can donate a pair of safety goggles for $5 or a gas mask for $111. 

Doctors Without Borders

One heavy bombing after another leaves the city without any functioning hospitals and very few doctors. With a focus on emergency medical work and personnel, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provides emergency medical procedures and life-saving treatment to those in desperate need. With all eight of MSF-supported hospitals in Aleppo destroyed or severely damaged, MSF says the medical situation is at its brink. Donate here.

Save the Children

Caught in the middle of this brutal war are children, many of whom are badly maimed and have seen their family members, homes and schools destroyed. Save the Children works hard to ensure we don’t lose an entire generation to this conflict. The organization sets up learning centres and "Child-Friendly Zones” outside city limits where many families flee. In addition to distributing food and basic needs for displaced children and their families, the camps help with post-traumatic stress and give these children some their childhood back. Donate here.

Islamic Relief Canada

The Islamic Relief Fund has been on the ground since 2011 providing emergency medical aid and access to the bare necessities for Syrians. The organization still has an ongoing monthly donation drop, but now more than ever, Islamic Relief is appealing for emergency medical intervention in Aleppo. Support it here.

CARE Canada

Winter in Syria is not so different than Canada with temperatures dropping well below freezing. With infrastructure destroyed in the constant attacks, homes are without heating and walls, and women and children are without warm clothing. CARE Canada provides winterization kits in addition to medical equipment and life-saving services to Syrians who need it most. You make a donation online here.