Delegations

Past delegations:

Egypt. January 2010. The ALO Cultural Foundation returned to Egypt for another mentoring and philanthropic delegation to the Ali Bin Abi Taleb orphanage in Alexandria, bringing computers, hope and bright smiles all around. The bond between the 25 residents and ALO continued to grow as the girls’ spirit soared, inspired by the role models the Foundation presented.

“Because of ALO, I am more confident that I can make my own decisions now,” said Douaa, who has lived at the orphanage since age 3. “I finally

feel that my needs are beginning to be understood.”

There was challenge, however, in getting the donated computers accepted into the country. “But we persevered,” says ALO Foundation founder

Wafa Kanan who received last minute word that the Ministry of Social Affairs was ready to meet with her. Kanan land her Ambassadorship Team eft the U.S. on December 29, met with the Ministry and celebrated the beginning of the New Year with the children at the orphanage.

Syria. October 2009. Organized and led the first ever North American Press Delegation to Syria, visiting Basra, Palmyra, Hama, Maaloula, Aleppo and other locations. The 12 member delegation, which took part in two press conferences, was accompanied by Dr. Naji Arwashan, the Syrian Hon. Consul General. The delegation visited orphanages, initiated contact with women through ALO's Sisterhood Worldwide Program, and worked to enhance the growing positive diplomatic relations between the United States and Syria. The delegation's central purpose was to connect cultures through lifestyle and commonalities both regions share.

Egypt. February 2008. Led a press delegation to Egypt, raising thousands of dollars for the Ali Bin Abi Taleb Orphanage in Alexandria. The delegation was moved by the conditions of the orphanage, and the positive spirit of the girls who lived there. Contributions funded learning and mentoring programs, computers, entrepreneurial workshops and educational scholarships.

Dubai. March 2007. Led a 15 member delegation from Detroit and Southern California to Dubai, spearheading a week of charitable giving to benefit the United Lebanon Relief, which she had recently founded.

The journey culminated in a tribute concert, organized by 15 “Rockin' Hearts” ambassadors - benefiting Lebanese children and their families critically affected by the July, 2006 conflict in that country. All told, their efforts raised $500,000 for infrastructure, medical equipment, orphanages and other programs in Lebanon. Supported by numerous business leaders, entertainers and philanthropists worldwide, the event was a resounding success - a true joining of Western and Middle Eastern teamwork in a time of great need.

Lebanon. June 2006. Wafa Kanan with many leaders from the Lebanese community and the City of Los Angeles and volunteers, initiated the first ever official relationship between Los Angeles and Beirut, forming the LA-Beirut Sister Cities. A Sister City Proclamation was signed into effect by the Los Angeles City Council in June, 2006. The official signing ceremony in Lebanon took place at the Nicholas Sursock Palace in Ashrafieh with the Lebanese municipality.

Beirut, being a coastal city with similarities to Los Angeles in its language, cultural arts, economic drives and democracy, is an optimal partner for Los Angeles. The cities will exchange culture, education, public works, health services, science and sports. Moreover, the relationship was hailed in its promise to foster friendship between the cities and its people.

Delegations are planned for Turkey, Lebanon Egypt, Jordan, Iran and Oman in 2011-12.