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Be part of our UK wide fundraiser
Harness the power of music and raise money for Syrian communities affected by conflict, displacement and earthquakes.
Taking part is simple; hold a musical fundraiser (think concert, busking, singalongs) in aid of Hands Up or buy tickets for our carol concert in London. Money raised will go directly to our vital health and education projects for Syrian communities.
Candlelit Carols
This year's carols took place on Tuesday 28 November at St Bartholomew the Great, Farringdon – London’s oldest surviving church. Thanks for all those who joined us for a magical evening of carols, mince pies, Middle Eastern food by Toum & Tahini, and most importantly, raising funds for vulnerable Syrian communities.
We were delighted to be joined for readings by:
Peter Capaldi
(Actor - Doctor Who, The Thick of It, Suicide Squad)
David Dimbleby
(Journalist and Presenter - BBC anchor, Panorama, Question Time)
Kholoud Helmi
(Journalist - Co-Founder of Enab Beladi newspaper, "The bravest woman in the world", Marie Claire magazine)
Onjali Q. Rauf
(Author and Human Rights Activist - The Boy at the Back of the Class, CEO of Making Herstory and O's Refugee Aid Team)
Talulah Riley
(Actor - St Trinian's, Pride & Prejudice)
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In 2023, the Syrian Turkish border was hit by a series of devastating earthquakes that claimed the lives of 60,000 people.
There are 15.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria. 90% of the population lives in poverty and 2.4 million children in Syria are out of school.
All funds raised go directly to health and education projects that are supporting the livelihoods of Syrian doctors and teachers as well as vital services to their local communities. We know the people we work with as well as the communities we serve, and over the last year alone we’ve helped over 25,000 Syrians.
Hold your own fundraising event and see what incredible things can happen when people come together.
Add your voice to the Singing for Syrians campaign by holding a fundraising event.
It could be a choir service, gig, karaoke night, school assembly or even a bake sale – there’s lots of ways to get involved. As well as having a great time, you’ll be helping us reach our £120,000 fundraising target.
Hands Up was set up by four British friends. Inspired by our time in Damascus, we wanted to remind our friends in Syria that they have not been forgotten. For us, ‘Syria’ is the noise, colour and scent of spice souks, the birthplace of modern civilisation and the definition of hospitality. The idea behind everything we do is simple and positive; gather people together and remind them of Syria’s rich culture while helping to provide education & health services for the most vulnerable Syrian communities.
Our flagship campaign, Singing for Syrians started in 2014, developed by our Chair, George Butler with Victoria Prentis MP. It is one of our most successful campaigns and ensures that we raise vital funds to support our work on the ground.
Hands Up is run by the team in London and governed by its Board of Trustees. Read more about our people here.
