International humanitarian medical charity Doctors of the World is launching its festival appeal which with images that starkly juxtapose vintage biblical nativity scenes with modern-day photographs of conflict zones across the Middle East.
The campaign aims to boost sales of a pack of four limited edition Christmas cards, with titles including ‘Not So Silent Night’ and ‘The Star of Bedlam’. They can be purchased for £10 from Doctors of the World online from its website www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk or by calling 020 7167 5789.
The cards have been designed by McCann London and feature photojournalism from the Press Association which was shot over the last year. Rather than making a religious statement, the charity insists the images seek to remind the public that this year war has forced millions from their homes, and they really need help.
Doctors of the World executive director Leigh Daynes said: “Every Christmas a romanticised picture is presented of the holy land of the past, featuring peaceful pastoral images that are shared in homes, churches and high streets across the country. This is completely at odds with the humanitarian crisis that the region faces today. This Christmas we’re asking people to see the realities that we see of the war-torn Middle East, and share some goodwill with a donation to help us give medical aid to people in desperate need.”
He added: “Those of all faiths and of none have been forced from their homes, lost their livelihoods and are now homeless; countless children have been robbed of their childhoods.”
Conflict in the Middle East has led to the biggest forced displacement of civilians since the Second World War. The United Nations estimates that 65 million people have fled their homes because of violence and armed conflict; half are from just three countries: Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia; some 28 million are children.
Proceeds from the sale of each pack will help the organisation provide vital medical aid to people who have been forced from their homes by war.
