As part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributed 566 shopping vouchers in the town of Busra al-Sham in Daraa Governorate, Syria. These vouchers targeted 566 individuals from the most vulnerable families, enabling them to purchase winter clothing that meets their specific needs, as part of the 2024 "Kanaf" winter clothing distribution project in Syria.
Critical humanitarian situation in Syria
This initiative comes amid the ongoing and complex humanitarian crisis in Syria, which has persisted for over a decade. The protracted conflict has displaced millions from their homes, devastated infrastructure, and drastically worsened the economic situation, leaving the majority of the population dependent on humanitarian aid for survival. This suffering is particularly acute during the winter months, as displaced people and impoverished families face harsh weather conditions and freezing temperatures in camps and shelters lacking even basic heating and warm clothing, increasing the risk of disease, especially among children and the elderly.
The role of the King Salman Relief Center
Since its establishment in 2015, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has played a pivotal role as the humanitarian arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, providing support to millions of people affected by crises in dozens of countries worldwide. In Syria, the Centre has implemented hundreds of relief projects in vital sectors including food security, health, shelter, and water and sanitation. The “Kanaf” winter clothing project is part of the Centre’s comprehensive strategy to respond to urgent seasonal needs and aims to provide warmth and dignity to affected families. The use of vouchers enhances the dignity of beneficiaries by giving them the freedom to choose the clothing that suits them, while also supporting local markets and stimulating economic activity in the targeted areas.
The importance of aid and its expected impact
At the local level, these vouchers directly alleviate the financial burden on 566 families in Daraa, ensuring they receive clothing to protect them from the harsh winter cold. Regionally and internationally, these efforts reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to its leading humanitarian role and underscore its continued solidarity with the Syrian people. They also highlight the importance of sustained international support in addressing the Syrian crisis, which remains one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. Such initiatives not only provide material assistance but also send a message of hope, assuring those affected that they are not forgotten in their time of need.
