More Than $1 Million Raised In Less Than 10 Days By #GlobalAidForLebanon Campaign

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The #GlobalAidForLebanon campaign launched by XO Records CEO Wassim "SAL" Slaiby in collaboration with Global Citizen and World Food Program USA (WFP USA) has brought in more than $1.2 million in cash and pledges to date, exceeding $1 million in just ten days, as donations continue to come in. Hundreds of donors have contributed, including music notables and celebrities.

The campaign was launched less than two weeks ago to raise funds for the victims of the Beirut explosion which killed hundreds of people, injured thousands, and left many people homeless, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be dispersed among the Red Cross Lebanon, the Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

"I would like to call out the extraordinary efforts of Sal Slaiby, Rima Fakih and Global Citizen for their dedication to ensuring the people of Lebanon get the support they need to survive and rebuild," said World Food Program USA President and CEO Barron Segar. "Their lifesaving efforts will ensure that the people who need help will get it, whether its food, shelter or medical assistance. We are very appreciative of their attention and that they chose the Red Cross Lebanon, the Children's Cancer Center and the United Nations World Food Programme as beneficiaries of this campaign."

"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. 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," said Sal and Rima Slaiby.

Michael Sheldrick, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer, Global Citizen, said "Global Citizen is honored to serve as a community of changemakers that are committed to improving the world by taking action, fighting extreme poverty and inspiring lasting change. Scores of Global Citizens answered the call to aid the people of Beirut, in support of the 'Global Aid for Lebanon' campaign, and that outpouring of support is a testament to the power of humanity. We know that we are strongest when we band together to uplift communities in need and Global Citizen exists so that no community ever has to endure distress alone."

Funds to the U.N. World Food Programme will support relief efforts in Lebanon, including providing emergency food parcels to highly vulnerable families, as well as families impacted by the longer-term economic crisis; bringing in wheat flour and wheat to ensure the continuity of national bread supply; supporting logistics operations at the badly damaged Port of Beirut and helping to rebuild it by airlifting equipment and setting up warehouses and mobile grain storage units around the port.

About the United Nations World Food Programme:
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, natural disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @WFPUSA and @wfp_media.

About Global Citizen:
Global Citizen is the world's largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty by 2030. With over 10 million monthly advocates, our voices have the power to drive lasting change around sustainability, equality, and humanity. We post, tweet, message, vote, sign, and call to inspire those who can make things happen to act — government leaders, businesses, philanthropists, artists, and citizens — together improving lives. By downloading our app, Global Citizens learn about the systemic causes of extreme poverty, take action on those issues, and earn rewards with tickets to concerts, events, and experiences all over the world. To date, the actions of our community, along with high-level advocacy efforts and work with partners, has resulted in commitments and policy announcements from leaders valued at over $48 billion, affecting the lives of more than 880 million people. For more information, visit GlobalCitizen.org.

SOURCE World Food Program USA