BUY SYRIAN

Bringing 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada is a hot button issue. Some strongly oppose this decision while others strongly affirm it. Few are neutral and without opinion. There is a financial cost, a social cost, a labor cost, costs to our already over burdened healthcare system, and even the possibility of bringing in some terrorists. As Christians we realize that these Syrian refugees are in great need of help in housing, medical needs, education for their children, work, in need of a place to resettle and make a new home, so we reluctantly say, "OK, I guess we need to help them so let them come to Quebec and the USA". We really do not want to get personally involved. We do not want the Syrian refugee problem to be our problem and in our neighborhood. Today, I offer you a way to get involved without having to sacrifice too much.

"Since 2011 the Syrian Civil War has been responsible for displacing over 6.4 million Syrians, with almost 4 million fleeing to other countries.  Among the almost million that have fled to Turkey were two young women, Marwa Syed Issa and Fatima.  University educated, they volunteered for NGO and aid organizations and participated in the revolution before being forced to leave their homes.  In Turkey, they were fortunate to find opportunities to support themselves, but hundreds of thousands of other women, many from rural areas with poor education were not.
They met and talked to many women living in horrible conditions. Many were afraid to go out on their own, many were harassed.  One woman they met was living in a cramped apartment with 10 other families, something that is not uncommon. They talked to women who were later sold off as “brides”.  Many lost spouses and children. Those who could find work were being severely underpaid in very terrible conditions.  They and their children went hungry. Together Marwa and Fatima decided to do something to change the story of their fellow refugees.
Hekaia was started as a small project, with only $500.  They started with hand-crafted goods because they are easy to teach, and can be worked on without the use of machinery.  With 10 women, and a couple of hand crafted toy designs that could be made well and sold with enough profit to support them, they began the project.  They started with workshops to teach women how to make specific designs and work on them on their own time.  They provided the material for them, and paid them a living wage upon receipt of the finished products. Those women who participated poured their hearts into their work and the products they made were great.
Their early impact caught the attention of Watan and the Syrian Business Group, and with their help, Hekaia has expanded their program to support over 100 women today.  What started with themselves and 2 volunteers has now grown to a small management team of 6.  The products expanded from toys to men’s and women’s hand crafted clothing.  Each woman has taken part not only in crafting the goods, but participating in the development of the organization, the products, and the process of getting them to market.
The women who are part of the Hekaia project not only get a living wage to support themselves, they are part of a community of women who support and strengthen each other.  By working and providing for their families they feel more useful and have a sense of purpose and value.  The simple fact that they can pay their own rent, and have their own space for their families is freeing.  They gain their independence and day by day their lives get a bit better.  The women and children who’ve needed trauma counselling support have been connected with other Watan programs providing direct aid.
Hekaia means story. Hekaia’s goal over the next 2 years is to continue to expand the program to change the story of over 500 women and their families.  By shopping at Hekaia, you help them achieve that." [From the heika website. I have first hand verification for this work by someone who was with 5 of these woman last week. 60% of sales goes directly to the women and 40% toward costs and business development.]

On Monday I purchased a Red Henrietta the Hippo from the http://hekaia.com/en/ website. I paid more for this product than I might pay at WalMart or Giant Tiger, and the purchase was in US dollars so that increased the cost. I certainly did not get my money's worth but my purchase was worth every penny. My purchase was made as a gift to these Syrian women who are trying to help themselves and their families in a difficult situation. I will often tell the story of these women who made Henrietta the Hippo to the precious little girl who will get this toy this Christmas so that she might learn how precious her Canadian family and heritage are and that she needs to share that gift from God in the name of Jesus with others who are not so fortunate.

Henrietta the Hippo

My purchase on the Heikaia website was easy. When you get to the payment page you can choose to not pay through PayPal and use your regular credit card so do not be put off by thinking you need to register for a PayPal account. Shipping is $7.00 and remember you are paying in US dollars.

I will likely never make decisions that will effect millions of people but I can serve Jesus in small ways and compounded with the small ways of others I can make a difference in this present evil world for some good. Buy something from these Syrian women and be a world changer.