For millions of vulnerable people around the world, winter means grave danger and a fight for survival.
Climate change is bringing more extreme weather and conflict is also displacing record numbers of people. Across the globe, many families are forced to choose between empty stomachs or freezing nights. For millions of people already suffering from displacement, sickness and poverty, winter is a frightening prospect.
Families fight to survive cold weather
In Gaza, as the fragile ceasefire holds, most people are still living in makeshift shelters and tents, exposed to the elements and without access to sufficient food or heat. In Afghanistan, where half the population is in need of humanitarian assistance, temperatures can drop as low as -25°C. Sub-zero temperatures bring misery to the many families living in rundown homes in Kosova; while in Syria, more than a decade of crisis has devastated the healthcare system and left millions of people with no access to medicine, safe sanitation or permanent shelter.
Winter season survival essentials
As the winter months approach, Islamic Relief is once again preparing to deliver essential items to families on the edge of survival. Last year, our Winterisation Programme provided life-saving assistance to orphans, widows, older people, people with disabilities, refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and those affected by disasters.
Last winter, Islamic Relief reached nearly 160,000 people with essential items to ease their burdens over the colder months. These include:
- food parcels
- blankets
- thermal clothes
- firewood and heating materials
- wood stoves
- tarpaulins
- mattresses
- cash so families can buy what they need to survive.
Our teams on the ground have witnessed first-hand the power of your support: bringing respite, dignity, and a smile to the faces of children, grandparents, and others that are suffering around the world.
Winter appeal for Gaza, Syria, Kosova and more
This winter, with your continued help, Islamic Relief aims to make an even bigger difference. We will step up our efforts to reach even more of those in need. We will continue to stand side-by-side with the people of Gaza, Syria, Kosova, Lebanon, Afghanistan and beyond – people who, year after, year, remain resilient in the face of conflict, oppression, natural disasters, and ever more extreme weather.
This winter, the need is greater than ever but together, we can help vulnerable families survive the wild weather. Give warmth. Save lives.
Donate to our Winter Appeal now.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated the total number of people reached last winter as over 470,800 people. The correct figure is 159,728.
