How does Lebanon Trust work?

Lebanon Trust is made of a group of people – all volunteers – who raise funds at home during the year to help specific charity projects in Lebanon. These projects are at schools and kindergartens. Once a year the volunteers travel to Lebanon to visit these Institution and deliver the donations. The volunteers also do practical maintenance work at one of these Institutions. See also this page.

Which Institutions does Lebanon Trust help?

Lebanon Trust helps a school for deaf children (called FAID) in the outskirts of Lebanon’s capital city Beirut, two kindergartens for refugee children, one in Beirut and the other in the South of Lebanon, and the Home of Hope, that welcomes orphans and street children.

How exactly does Lebanon Trust help these Institutions?

Lebanon Trust helps these Institutions mainly financially, giving them money for specific projects that we discuss with them and agree upon in advance. Throughout the year, they keep us up-to-date with the progress, and when we are in Lebanon they show us the results first-hand. At FAID, the school for deaf children, we also do practical maintenance work because it saves them money, and every day we spend time with the children.

Is Lebanon Trust a real, official organisation?

Yes. Lebanon Trust is officially registered in the Republic of Ireland, granted charitable tax exemption under the provisions of Section 207 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, under reference CHY 19091 (we are listed on Irish Revenue’s “List of Bodies with Charitable Tax Exemption“). Lebanon Trust also has the status of “Eligible Charity” for the purposes of Section 848A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. In addition, Lebanon Trust is registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Registered Charity Number (CRA Number) 20074449. Details on this page.

How do I know that the money donated to Lebanon Trust really reaches its supposed destination?

Every year donors receive a detailed financial report, which also describes the concrete results that we achieved. Of course, you’re more than welcome to come with us and verify personally what we do! Also, we are all volunteers, work for free and do not get paid.

Why should one help people who are far away? Isn’t it better to help children at home?

Every child deserves opportunity, in every country. We try to help children who are in a particularly difficult situation, through no fault of their own.

Also, in Lebanon we can really make a very positive difference in many people’s lives with relatively small sums.  This means that your donations are very efficient.

I am potentially interested. Where do I start?

The easiest way is to let us know (see this page), and we’ll take it from there. Don’t forget to add your email address and/or phone number and country.

How can I raise funds?

Our volunteers raise funds through a wide range of initiatives. We’ve had: fundraising birthday parties, where people bring donations instead of presents; pub quizzes; sport events; charity matching programmes by corporations; packing days at supermarkets; book nights; flea markets (also virtual: supporters sold their old bicycles and surfboard on the internet); charity auctions; sponsor cards; concerts. A school selected us as ‘supported charity of the year’. An author donated the proceeds of a book. Two supporters celebrated their wedding anniversary and asked friends to donate instead of buying presents. Friends and relatives regularly donate at Christmas. Or you can use crowdfunding. The only limit is our imagination.

How long do Lebanon Trust’s volunteers spend in Lebanon?

The volunteers usually spend about two weeks a year in Lebanon.

Can I spend an extended period volunteering in Lebanon?

Yes, it is possible to stay longer at one of the Institutions that we support. Please let us know and we will put you in direct contact with them.

Can I work with refugees in Lebanon?

Yes. Our partner association in Lebanon, Najdeh, can help you with this if there is a fit. Just let us know and we will put you in contact with them.

How is Lebanon as a country?

Lebanon is a small country with beaches, mountains (with ski resorts), old historical cities and a very modern capital. There are picturesque markets and all the high-street brands. Arabic, English and French are spoken. You can have newspapers, cinema and TV in English. The Lebanese cuisine is excellent.

Are there any special requirements to travel to Lebanon?

No. European citizens generally don’t need visas. You will need only a valid passport, without any Israeli stamps on it.

Is Lebanon an Islamic country?

No. Lebanon’s population is made of Muslims and Christians (see pic below), and there are no legal obligations regarding religion. Women don’t have to cover up and alcohol is freely available. Beirut has a throbbing night-life with countless clubs and bars. Other parts of the country are more conservative and it is good practice to respect local customs, but in general people are very tolerant.