Since the crisis in Syria began our Temple Board has been discussing ways we can help the Syrian people forced from their homes and caught in the middle of the war zone. Last month we were humbled when our very own Kid’s Sangha took the initiative and had a delicious bake sale in order to raise funds for the Syrian refugee children (which was a great success). We decided we would follow the leadership of our compassionate children and also contribute to their chosen organization, Plan Canada.
Plan Canada was founded in 1937 and is one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. It is not-for-profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, and has one agenda: to improve the lives of children. For the crisis in Syria, Plan Canada is creating safe spaces for injured or ailing children to recover, providing mental health care and emotional support for children and their caregivers, trying to improve access to formal and non-formal education in a protective learning environment for school- aged children, and advocating for greater support for these vulnerable children and families.
On January 3, 2016 our temple will keep track of the donations we receive. The amount of donations we receive on that day will be the amount we will donate to Plan Canada. What’s more, the Canadian Government has pledged to match all money donated to help the Syrian refugees, so whatever we donate will be doubled!
Thank you to our Kid’s Sangha for making us proud and teaching us the way to live a life of compassion. You are our inspiration. Many children will benefit because of your kindness.
