HUMANITARIAN GROUPS LAUD NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY ON WHITE HELMETS AS A CALL TO ACTION TO SUPPORT SYRIAN AID WORKERS

U.S.-based charities proud to support the heroic efforts of Syria’s first responders

(Washington, DC) September 19, 2016 -- The American Relief Coalition for Syria (ARCS) and its member organization, the Chicago-based Karam Foundation are proud to have supported the White Helmets, a group of men and women first responders who have saved over 60,000 lives in Syria.

The new Netflix documentary “The White Helmets” released Friday captures real footage on the ground in Syria highlighting the efforts of these heroic rescue workers. From the Oscar-nominated team behind Virunga, the documentary is available for streaming on Netflix.

"In one of the most dangerous places in the world, the White Helmets risk their lives to save others. These heroic volunteers are the best examples of how brave and resilient the Syrian people are. Since 2014, we've supported the White Helmets by funding four new ambulances and refurbishing two more. We’ve also provided them with emergency aid in the form of fuel, clothing and food.” said Lina Sergie Attar, of Chicago-based Karam Foundation.

“The Syrian conflict is always portrayed as hopeless, chaotic, and violent, but the documentary shows the inspiring work being done despite all the attacks on civilians.  We appreciate that Netflix is highlighting the White Helmets’ miraculous stories. As this documentary spreads the story of our heroes across the world, we hope it inspires people to unite in solidarity not only in support of the White Helmets but also for the Syrian people's right to be protected from all indiscriminate attacks."
 

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For media information:

Contact: Jill Cashen, jill@westendstrategy.com, 202-374-5393 or Josh Glasstetter, josh@westendstrategy.com, 202-905-2921

About ARCS:

The American Relief Coalition for Syria (ARCS) is a 501(c)3 coalition of non-political, Syrian diaspora led humanitarian organizations that provide multi-sector relief inside of Syria, as well as assistance and services to Syrian refugees in regional host countries and in the United States. Together the efforts of ARCS organizations help millions of Syrians, both those who remain in Syria and those displaced as refugees. ARCS programs cover the full range of humanitarian sectors, including health, psychosocial support, community services, education, food and non-food items, protection, water/ sanitation/ hygiene, and women’s empowerment. In addition to emergency relief, ARCS organizations have established development projects that promote sustainable living and lay the groundwork for voluntary refugee return, such as building schools, facilitating jobs and skills training, and helping to establish bakeries and flour mills.  

About Karam Foundation:

Karam Foundation was founded in 2007 in Chicago — a small, non-profit organization determined to do big things. Karam means generosity in Arabic — our simple vision was to give what was needed to those who needed it anywhere around the world. Eight years ago, we started with a food drive on the south-side of Chicago. Today, our impact expands across Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, building a better future for thousands of Syrian families.