ACT and southern NSW Rotary clubs are running a fundraiser to rebuild a paediatric ward that was affected by last month's explosion in Lebanon.
The Karantina Government Hospital in Beirut was severely damaged by the August 4 explosion, caused by ammonium nitrate stored at the city's port.
The Rotary Club of Beirut is working directly with the hospital to assist in the rebuild and raise funds for new equipment and supplies.
Back in Australia, Rotary district 9705 governor Michael Moore said the local fundraiser was made possible by a Canberra Rotary club member's strong ties to Lebanon.
"One of our members, Rim El Kadi, gave a talk about her time in Beirut and her memberships of rotary clubs in Beirut," Mr Moore said.
"Because of her contacts there, we found that we had a way to deliver funds directly to [Karantina Government Hospital] - from one Rotary club to another Rotary club."
Moore said this was a particularly secure way to transfer funds to countries where there are concerns about corruption.
In her speech, Ms El Kadi spoke of the importance of investing in the care of children, and about how Rotarians in Lebanon had been some of the first people on the ground when the explosion happened.
"[The Rotary Club of Beirut] reached out to clubs across the world and the response was overwhelming and heartwarming," she said.
"There's always a silver lining and the youth is really the hope that Lebanese people can look to."
The ACT government has donated $5000 to the fundraiser.
"We're absolutely delighted and really appreciate the gesture of the Chief Minister," Mr Moore said. "Rotary clubs always work with governments whenever we can and are very pleased that donation will go to assist a city that is in desperate need."
