Valley residents help educate Syrian refugees in Lebanon

To the editor:

This is my third annual trip to Wasilla Noon Rotary and the Town Square Art Gallery exhibition and fundraiser in Wasilla. Once again the community came out and supported Solace International’s work abroad. As the executive director of Solace, it is always nice to come to my second home and meet with friends and supporters after working and traveling for months overseas. This year, Solace has focused its efforts on providing relief to Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. The war there is brutal and it is innocent civilians who suffer.

Thankfully, we were able to start a school for more than 70 children in March. They receive an education, transportation and a hot lunch. For some of them, it is the only food they eat in a day.

Our overhead costs for this project run $4,000 a month, or $50 a child. And because of the great support of Wasilla Rotary, Janet St. George, owner of Town Square Art Gallery, and Teresa Blume we were able to secure funding for two months to keep the school operational.

It always amazes me the generosity of people in the Valley who are willing to contribute to those suffering on the other side of the globe. The Valley has a lot to be proud of.

Nathaniel York

Executive Director

Solace International