Toronto, ON - You are invited to attend a press conference marking a significant moment in Toronto's humanitarian response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Mayor Olivia Chow will appear alongside Abbis Mahmoud, Founder of Canada for Lebanon, Sana Bég, Executive Director of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and Kelsey Lemon, VP of International Cooperation for the Canadian Red Cross to formally announce the City of Toronto's support for the MSF’s Middle East Fund and the Canadian Red Cross’ Humanitarian Needs in Lebanon Fund - both initiatives will be featured on the DonateTO portal on the Toronto.ca website to centralise critical humanitarian response efforts.

 Why it Matters: 

With Lebanon facing a dire humanitarian crisis, the need for coordinated, international humanitarian aid has never been more urgent. Abbis Mahmoud has created the Canada for Lebanon initiative and continues to work tirelessly year-round to bridge Canadian government and charitable organizations with trusted aid agencies on the ground throughout the Middle East. Mayor Chow's endorsement marks a landmark moment of municipal leadership in support of innocent civilians in need 

 When: 

● Thursday, April 16, 2026 
● Arrival between 10:45 - 11:00 am for set up 
● Press Conference will begin promptly at 11:30 am 
● Lunch to follow press conference 

Who - List of Speakers: 

● Abbis Mahmoud, Founder, Canada for Lebanon 
● Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto 
● Sana Bég, Executive Director, MSF Canada (Doctors Without Borders) 
● Kelsey Lemon, Vice President, International Cooperation, Canadian Red Cross 

As part of this response, Canada for Lebanon has already secured 5,000 Family Emergency Kits in partnership with GlobalMedic. These kits provide a comprehensive, household-level solution for families in crisis, including water purification systems capable of delivering safe drinking water for up to one year, along with essential hygiene supplies.

This intervention is critical in mitigating the risk of waterborne diseases and supporting basic health and dignity in displaced and underserved communities.

Lebanon is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in its history.

Ongoing conflict has devastated communities, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced millions. Families are struggling to access basic necessities, including food, healthcare, and safe shelter.

Canada for Lebanon is actively coordinating emergency response efforts to address these urgent needs and deliver life-saving support.