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Syrian refugees: how Canadians can help

Syrians drown heading from Turkey to Greek island

Graphic photos of a boy who drowned and washed ashore near a resort in Turkey have touched a global nerve and brought the issue of the plight of millions of Syrians fleeing a civil war into focus again.

Three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, his five-year-old brother Galip and mother Rehan were aboard a boat ferrying migrants to Greece when they drowned on Wednesday.

The tragedy hit close to home in Canada after reports said the family had sought refuge in this country but was rejected.

The Canadian government says it has committed more than $700 million in humanitarian, development and security assistance in response to the Syrian crisis, which began in March 2011 and promised to settle 10,000 Syrians earlier this year.

While details unfold on how the federal government will address the refugee crisis, Canadians can help by donating to one of the following charities:

Canadian Red Cross says it has established a Syria Crisis Fund to provide “life-saving assistance to Syrian families.” Click here to donate.

Care Canada: is providing life-saving assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt. Click here to donate.

Oxfam Canada says it is providing aid and long-term support to hundreds of thousands of people affected by the crisis across Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Click here to donate.

World Vision says it has supported more than 440,000 Syrians in Syria, as well as those who’ve fled to Lebanon and Jordan. Click here to donate.