Mississauga, ON— An air shipment of World Vision emergency medical supplies landed in Beirut this morning—an encouraging sign that safe corridors for humanitarian supplies may be opening up in Lebanon after weeks of conflict that has killed more than 700 people and injured thousands.

"These supplies will enable us to support local clinics and hospitals who are caring for wounded civilians," said Emmanel Isch, Vice-president of International Programs for World Vision Canada. "To date, we've already assisted 30,000 displaced people in our project communities in Lebanon's southern, central and northern regions by providing food and medical supplies that we purchased locally. But this is the first shipment from outside the country that we've been able get in. We're encouraged that we can help those who are suffering so in this conflict, especially children."

The 2.5-ton cargo, valued at $55,000, included medical supplies (antibiotics and analgesics), technical equipment, and high-energy biscuits for children.

World Vision is also preparing to send a 70-ton shipment of relief supplies by sea that will aid 45,000 people. The shipment, carrying medicines, water purification units, water containers and hygiene kits, is due to arrive in Beirut later this week.

Mr. Isch says that World Vision Canada will continue to ask the Canadian government to use its influence to ensure that safe and sustained corridors for humanitarian aid are opened in Lebanon, Gaza, Israel and other affected areas. World Vision Canada and ten other agencies sent an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper last week expressing their concern about the effect of the conflict on civilians.

World Vision has served in Lebanon for 25 years, conducting extensive community development programs. World Vision donors worldwide support 12,600 children in Lebanon, including more than 1,000 sponsored by Canadians.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization whose purpose is to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities by overcoming poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.