Explosions last week in Beirut killed at least 150 people, injured 5000 more, and left hundreds of thousands without homes. If you would like to make a donation that will be matched by the Canadian government, the Humanitarian Coalition is already at work in the city delivering life-saving assistance to those in need.
But if we only hear about certain countries when they are suffering through a tragedy or disaster, it makes it harder for us to learn from (and be inspired by!) individuals and initiatives there who are doing incredible things to put people and planet first. So in addition to encouraging you to support rebuilding efforts on the ground, we also want to take this opportunity to shine a light on some of the incredible social innovation that happens in Lebanon.
We are linking to their social media channels so you can keep up to date on their work. Follow the ones that look most compelling to you (heck, follow all of them)!
Live Love Lebanon
An independent non-profit founded in 2012 in Beirut and Los Angeles with the goal of the beauty of Lebanon, Live Love Lebanon designs and implements sustainable programs that celebrate nature, culture and community.
(Follow Live Love Lebanon on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram!)
Alfanar
As the Arab region’s first venture philanthropy organization, Alfanar supports ambitious social enterprises to develop sustainable revenue streams, focusing on social ventures that aim to be self-sufficient, assuring donors that the value of their contributions will be multiplied.
(Follow Alfanar on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / LinkedIn!)
Digital Opportunity Trust Lebanon
A movement of daring social innovators who have the tools, knowledge, and networks to create opportunities and transform their own communities, DOT Lebanon’s youth-led programs focus on sustainable economic growth and technology in education.
(Follow Digital Opportunity Trust Lebanon on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram!)
makesense Lebanon
To empower citizens, entrepreneurs and organizations to build an inclusive and sustainable society together, makesense designs personalized and innovative programs to guide social entrepreneurs and help citizens learn and take action to solve social issues.
(Follow Makesense Lebanon on Facebook / Instagram!)
arcenciel
Adhering to the principles of sustainable development, arcenciel emphasizes the social and economic integration of marginalized people and communities back into society. All of arcenciel’s revenues are reinvested into social and environmental work.
(Follow arcenciel on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / LinkedIn!)
ProAbled
The biggest campaign to reach people with disabilities across Lebanon to support them finding jobs, ProAbled’s online platform connects HR and recruitment departments with skilled trainees, including people with disabilities who are ready for employment.
(Follow ProAbled on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / LinkedIn!)
Fondation Diane
Focusing on educating, mobilization, and investment, Fondation Diane aims to grow an eco-sustainable development community in order to highlight the importance of the environment in social and economic development.
(Follow Fondation Diane on Facebook / Instagram!)
Lebanese Social Enterprise Association
A group dedicated to building an effective structure capable of catering to the growing needs of social enterprises in Lebanon, by contributing to their administrative and financial development to increase their social and environmental impact by all possible means.
(Follow the Lebanese Social Enterprise Association on Facebook!)
BONUS FOLLOW: Rebuild Beirut: a project of Live Love Lebanon
