Context
Saint Peter Elderly Centre is part of the St. Vincent de Paul network and works to provide the elderly with a pleasant and comfortable stay, never compromising on the quality and consistency of its services and offerings.
Established in 2008, the 6-storey centre is located in Chahtoul – Keserwan, 50km from Beirut and has a total capacity of 104 residents. The centre is managed and serviced by a team of 38 professionals dedicated to the daily life, health, psychological, and even spiritual needs of the residents.
However, since the onset of the economic crisis in Lebanon and the rapid depreciation of the Lebanese currency, many people 
who previously would have had sufficient financial means are now living in or facing poverty. They and their families are increasingly unable to afford the costs of living in senior residences.
Lebanon is also grappling with a crippling energy crisis resulting in erratic power supplies that have put hospitals and essential services, including St Peter Elderly Centre, in crisis mode. Blackouts that used to last for three to six hours could now leave entire areas with no more than two hours of state power a day. Reliable electrical power is a vital necessity for this population as many suffer from various illnesses (respiratory distress, heart failure, etc.).
As a result, there has been an explosion in interest in alternative energy, and thousands of people and institutions are now turning to solar power for independence from an unreliable power grid. In a country that sees about 300 days of sun per year, the centre has been working on a technical study to secure stable off-grid electricity, through a full Photovoltaic Solar System, including photovoltaic solar panels, ion batteries, and solar inverters to give staff and residents security and peace of mind.
Goals & Activities
The goal of the project is to help disadvantaged senior citizens in Lebanon cope with increasingly hard living conditions by installing solar panels to supplement the unreliable electrical grid.
The project will provide electricity to the St. Peter Elderly Centre, ensuring the safety and comfort of the senior residents as well as ensure adequate refrigeration of food.
The installation of the solar panels will also reduce the cost of electricity, freeing up financial resources for other expenses; ensure the sustainability of the centre and the jobs of the staff; and reduce pollution by using renewable energy. Activities will include installation of cables, inverters, panels, etc.
Key Key Performance Indicators to be reached (KPIs)
Consistent and reliable 24-hour electrical power, securing vital medical equipment and food.
Myriad Canada is working with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Lebanon on this project, a nonprofit that works to provide education, health care, housing and leisure for all disadvantaged people in the communities they serve.
Myriad Canada’s role is to carry out charitable activities across the globe in accordance with its charitable purposes. We control and monitor the use of funds and the progress of charitable activities to ensure that donations made to Myriad Canada have the greatest impact in accordance with donors’ expressed wishes. As a member of the Myriad Alliance with offices in Canada, the US, Europe, Asia and Australia, Myriad Canada has a vast international network and extensive practical expertise.
How to support this project?
By credit card: At the top right of this page, indicate the amount you wish to donate, and make the donation online by credit card. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes by e-mail just a few minutes after making the donation. Simple and fast!
By cheque: Mail the cheque to the KBF Foundation CANADA, mention ‘Project B510 – Solar Panels for Seniors in Lebanon ’ in the ‘For’ section and send it to: KBF Foundation CANADA, 1 Place Ville Marie, Suite 1670, MONTREAL, QC, H3B 2B6 – CANADA.
By Direct Deposit: Send an email to Mélina Zitiello melina@myriadcanada.org or call +1 5438-300-8122.
All donations are eligible for a tax receipt in Canada.
The projects are managed with the greatest care and professionalism.