Wassim “Sal” Slaiby’s support campaign for Lebanon started off gained a lot of attention when it launched earlier this month. Kickstarted with $250,000 donated by Slaiby and his wife Rima Fakih, the campaign has since garnered a massive sum.
The fundraiser, launched as #GlobalAidforLebanon, in collaboration with Global Citizen and World Food Program USA, has raised $1.2 million in less than a couple of weeks.
Over 1,000 donors have contributed to the campaign in cash and pledges, including several world-famous celebrities, such as The Weeknd ($300,000) DJ Snake, French Montana, Massari, and the American events promoter Live Nation, which donated $50,000.
As announced by Slaiby at the start of the campaign, the funds will go to the Lebanese Red Cross, the UN World Food Programme, and the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon to support the ongoing relief efforts in Beirut.
“Our hearts are deeply embedded in our homeland of Lebanon and to see our friends, community, and people from across the globe donating to help is truly moving,” said Sal and Rima Slaiby.
“We have just begun, as this devastation is so deep, and we hope to see the momentum of the fund increase so we can get sufficient help to our country that is in so much need,” the couple added.
The donated funds will go to provide emergency food to vulnerable families, wheat flour to support Lebanon’s bread supply, and logistical support to the ongoing operations at the crucial Port of Beirut to help rebuild it.
Shelter, medical assistance, and other forms of humanitarian aid will also be provided to the vulnerable through the aforementioned organizations.
