Toronto, September 1, 2024 — Today, Save the Children (STC) and Islamic Relief Canada (IRC) will bring a striking visual reminder to Toronto’s streets with two school buses transformed into a moving symbol of the stark humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This unique media stunt aims to highlight the heartbreaking reality that while many children around the world prepare to return to school, 625,000 children in Gaza face a future devoid of education and safety.
IRC and STC have rented two school buses that will be covered in bold banners and eye-catching decals to spotlight the crisis in Gaza and grab the attention of people in the busiest areas of downtown. The messaging hopes to bring home the grim reality faced by children in Gaza, who are unable to return to school due to the devastating impact of ongoing conflict. The buses also represent the staggering reality that over 200 school buses would be required to transport the number of Palestinian children who have lost their lives in the past 11 months.
This initiative underscores the severe disruption to the lives of children in Gaza, who have been deprived of the opportunity to learn, play, and dream due to the conflict. The buses will travel through Toronto, symbolically showcasing the inequality between the educational experiences of children in safe regions and those suffering in war-torn areas.
“We can not normalize the continued attacks on schools and children. Even wars have laws, and all parties must respect the protected status of schools and not use schools as battlegrounds.” Said Danny Glenwright, President and CEO of Save the Children. “Children represent about 40% of the population in Gaza and account for a significant portion of those killed and injured since October. It is imperative that civilians, especially children, are protected. The only viable path to achieving this is through an immediate and definitive ceasefire.”
Over the past 11 months, more than 14,100 children have been killed in Gaza, and nearly 90% of schools and all universities have been damaged or destroyed. The violence has also claimed the lives of over 390 teaching staff, leaving countless students without access to education. Classrooms that once brimmed with hope have become symbols of despair and loss.
CEO of Islamic Relief Canada, Usama Khan, says: “As a parent preparing to send my own children back to school this year, it’s heart-wrenching to think about the thousands of Palestinian parents who are grieving the loss of their own. We cannot ignore the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, this school bus display is a powerful reminder of the devastating toll that these attacks have taken on Gaza’s youngest and most vulnerable. Each empty seat represents a precious life cut short, a future stolen. We hope this visual will bring attention to the ongoing crisis and compel the world to act to protect innocent lives.”
The aim of this stunt is to bring awareness to the situation in Gaza and to highlight the urgent need for an immediate and full ceasefire. The school bus will have a QR code that will link to our website with more information on how to spread awareness and to donate to support our respective emergency relief efforts in Gaza.
To cover this stunt, please reach out for video and camera footage or for the school bus route and timing.
Media contacts:
- Julie Marshall, Senor Manager, Media: 437-770-9752
- Mashaal Saeed, Media and Campaigns Lead: 647-919-1580
About Save the Children:
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Canada and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
About Islamic Relief Canada:
Islamic Relief Canada is a leading international humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating suffering and providing life-saving assistance to those in need. With a solid commitment to upholding human dignity, Islamic Relief Canada has been at the forefront of global humanitarian efforts, delivering emergency aid, sustainable development projects, and advocacy for the most vulnerable communities.
Media Contact
For additional information please contact Julie Marshall, Senior Manager, Media:
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Canada and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.