What is happening in Syria?

The Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad's rule recently collapsed. The situation across the country remains extremely volatile. Millions of people are still displaced and in need of life-saving aid. This is yet another disaster for extremely vulnerable Syrians, who have endured 14 years of conflict and displacement. Most recently, more than half a million people crossed into Syria to escape the violence in Lebanon. Before that, communities in the north were devastated by earthquakes that struck near the border with Türkiye. More than 16 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance.

How is UNHCR helping?

UNHCR is delivering emergency supplies such as blankets, mattresses, solar lamps, kitchen sets and hygiene kits to assist displaced families. These supplies are absolutely vital for people who’ve been forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs.

How can I help Syrians forced to flee?

You can make a generous donation to help UNHCR rush aid to families displaced by the fighting. With your help, UNHCR can ramp up its relief efforts and send vital supplies such as blankets, mattresses and warm clothing to vulnerable families.

Why Christopher chose to leave a gift in his Will

Christopher was born and raised in France before moving to Australia on his own as a skilled migrant in his late twenties. Since then, he has also lived in the United States and travelled to 119 countries. His life experiences have shaped a strong sense of empathy and an awareness of global issues, particularly those displaced people face around the world.

Christopher is an economist, whose life experience and interest in global issues have shaped his decision to make a lasting impact for refugees and displaced people.

Christopher in Kyiv, Ukraine. Shaped by his life experience and awareness of global issues, he is driven to support refugees and displaced people.

While Christopher is not a refugee himself, he understands the emotional weight of migration. Having left his home country alone, he recalls the feeling of being “like in exile” and far from everything familiar. This personal connection has deepened his compassion for refugees and others forced to flee their homes due to conflict or disaster.

Christopher’s concern for refugees began early in his life. He closely followed international news and was moved by the crises in Lebanon and the former Yugoslavia, and the plight of Vietnamese refugees. Over time, his awareness expanded to include conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Gaza. These events stayed with him and influenced his decision to make a lasting impact.

Leaving a gift in his Will

With no children of his own, Christopher began to think seriously about how he could leave a meaningful legacy. He chose to leave a gift in his Will to Australia for UNHCR. For Christopher, this decision was simple. He knows that UNHCR delivers life-saving assistance in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones and reaches those most in need.

Christopher created his Will through the Gathered Here platform, which he found both comprehensive and easy to use. The process gave him peace of mind, knowing that his legacy will support a cause he deeply cares about.

“Leaving a gift in your Will to help refugees is one of the most meaningful and helpful things that people can do with their money after their death,” says Christopher. “It helps the world be a better place, especially for innocent people displaced by wars and catastrophes.”

How do you want to be remembered? One of the most inspiring ways to ensure your values live on is to leave a gift in your Will, like Christopher.

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