On 4 August 2020, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port of the city of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, exploded, causing over 181 deaths, 6,000 injuries, US$10–15 billion in property damage, and leaving an estimated 300,000 people homeless. The scale of the devastation will take generations to repair.
Sitti has partnered with women-owned and Toronto-based company KUVRD to launch the ‘Lebanon Solidarity’ t-shirt to raise awareness and proceeds to Lebanon. As a social enterprise, our entire theory of change is built on the education, empowerment, and employment of refugee men and women.
These ethically made organic cotton t-shirts were exclusively designed by Lebanese-based Architect and Designer, Maria Theresa Kallassy, known on Instagram on her page,
Maria’s designs are inspired by Fairouz and highlight the explosion that impacted so many lives in a matter of seconds. The song is entitled Li Beirut ‘لبيروت’ which literally translates to ‘For Beirut.’ The t-shirt captures the lyrics:
لبيروتمن قلبي سلامٌ لبيروت
Translation: “For Beirut, From my heart a greeting of peace to Beirut.”
The Lebanon Solidarity t-shirts are UNISEX Organic jersey 160 GSM cotton crew neck made ethically by women in New Delhi, India. We have ensured that every piece sewn and made is ethically and fairly sourced and produced – while working also to empower and employ women in the process.
Proceeds of this t-shirt will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross.