Local Professionals Launch Initiative to Support Lebanon

Local professionals have been working on ideas to raise funds to contribute to Lebanese aid efforts following the August 4, 2020 massive explosion in Beirut’s port. 

The ad hoc group, Windsor-Essex Helping Lebanon Windsor-Essex Helping Lebanon, came together within hours of the devastating news and has since recruited a large number of local businesses to help support fundraising. 

On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, Windsor-Essex residents are encouraged to shop local and support those businesses that are offering to donate proceeds to the initiative.

“Despite the challenges that small businesses and restaurants have faced during the pandemic, it hasn’t stopped them from wanting to help. I’m so proud of our community. Restaurants, barber shops, spas, and real estate agents immediately stepped forward to assist and we will be working with the Canadian Red Cross and the Lebanese Red Cross to ensure the money goes directly to victims impacted by the explosion.” – Nour Hachem-Fawaz, President and Founder of Build a Dream, a nationwide charity based in Windsor

On August 12, residents are invited to order from one of these restaurants: 

• Eddy’s Mediterranean Bistro 
• Mare Nostrum 
• Mazaar South Windsor 
• Shawarma Palaca
• Monaco Express 
• Tabouli by Eddy’s 
• Kabobgy- LaSalle and Essex 
• Souq
• Just Chicken
• Tarboush restaurant
• Pizza Plus
• Hamoudies Shawarma

These businesses are also offering to donate proceeds: 

• Padrone Barbershop 
• Baby Envy Boutique
• Envy Boutique
• Candle Haus 
• MattiWorX (photography) 

Despite major issues that citizens of Lebanon were already facing, the recent catastrophe resonates with more than just Lebanese-Canadians and those who care about global humanitarian efforts; it specifically demonstrates how delicate our ecosystems can be. Tuesday’s blast killed over 150 citizens, injured thousands and overwhelmed hospitals, destroyed housing and increased homelessness, devastated grain reserves leading to food insecurity, and shut down a port that handles 60% of the country’s imports. 

“Events like this remind us of how delicate life can be, how interconnected things are, and how amazing the Windsor-Essex region is for coming together.” 

On August 12, Windsor-Essex residents are invited to make a purchase at participating businesses that are dedicating proceeds to Lebanese aid efforts. The list to-date includes: Eddy’s Mediterranean Bistro, Mare Nostrum, Mazaar South Windsor, Mazaar Downtown, Monaco Express, Tabouli by Eddy’s, Tarboosh Restaurant, Padrone Barbershop, Candle Haus, and MattiWorX (photography). 

More businesses are being added each day so for a complete list (or to offer assistance), visit the Windsor-Essex Helping Lebanon Facebook group or email [email protected]