Thousands of winter coats for Syrian children this Christmas

Sister Annie Demerjian with tailor Takla al Safadi in a workshop in Maaloula, Syria. (Photo: Aid to the Church in Need)

Some 25,000 winter coats are being gifted to children in Syria this Christmas. 

The effort is being led by Sister Annie Demerjian and the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, with support from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). 

The thousands of coats have been made by tailors in Aleppo, northern Syria, which was devastated in the civil war. 

Sister Annie said the gift of coats would not only keep children warm, but "give a boost to the local economy by helping our small local factories through the production of these garments". 

Although there is normally a shortage of material in the winter months, Sister Annie planned ahead and reserved the items needed to make the coats several months ago. 

Cutting machine operator Rami said the order for the coats came at a "critical" time when they were "desperate for work". 

"You know how bad the present economic situation is in the country," he said. 

"So it is a great joy for us to be able to support ourselves over the next few months, thanks to this project of ACN. May God reward you."

In total, 180 Syrians - both Christian and Muslim - are working across 30 workshops to make the coats. 

The coats will be distributed to children in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Qamishli, Hassake, Sweida and Horan as Christmas gifts.

"Together, we can put a smile on the faces of the children," said Sister Annie. 

News
Traitors’ winner Harry Clark heads to Rome in new BBC documentary exploring faith in modern Britain
Traitors’ winner Harry Clark heads to Rome in new BBC documentary exploring faith in modern Britain

BBC Two and iPlayer are set to air a new one-hour documentary this Easter charting The Traitors’ winner Harry Clark’s personal pilgrimage from Slough to the Vatican

Christians welcome NI decision to pull out of puberty blocker trial
Christians welcome NI decision to pull out of puberty blocker trial

Nesbitt initially indicated that the province would join the trial.

EU Parliament condemns expulsion of foreign Christians in Turkey
EU Parliament condemns expulsion of foreign Christians in Turkey

Turkey has said the EU is interfering in its internal affairs.

Fewer Britons giving something up for Lent as cathedrals invite deeper reflection
Fewer Britons giving something up for Lent as cathedrals invite deeper reflection

The number of Britons giving something up for Lent has fallen sharply over the past decade, according to new research highlighting a significant shift in how the season is observed.