The violence in the Middle East has thrown lives into chaos. Many refugees flee conflict only to find themselves living in camps, in very basic shelters.
At night, when temperatures plunge, fuel burning heaters are the only way for families to stay warm.
“Every year, around these days, snow piles high,” says Mariam, a 72-year-old Palestinian mother living in Lebanon. “To stay warm here, you need a river of fuel.”
Don't wait this winter - you can help mums like Mariam keep safe and warm.
Mariam in the doorway to her shelter in the refugee camp
The winters in eastern Lebanon are cruel, particularly for refugees living in basic shelters, and employment opportunities are extremely limited. This means that many people are faced with impossible choices.
"I'm sitting out shivering," Mariam says. "If we burn the fuel now, how can we use the heater at night? We need to spare some fuel for night time. The night is long."
For us Catholics, Christmas is a time for us to reach out with love and warmth to those who need it. Support from CAFOD helped our partners get Mariam enough fuel to stay warm. But many of our neighbours still face a cruel winter.
Don't wait to help our neighbours this winter.
It's not just families in Lebanon who face uncertain futures. Around the world, long-lasting emergencies are making it harder for families to survive.
A gift from you today will make such a big difference.
As we journey through the new year, there's still time to recommit to our global family by pledging a transformative monthly gift.
This season is a time to give thanks and reach out with love and warmth to mothers like Mariam as they build a better future for their children.
