Updates post 10/9/15 @ 12pm EDT: Since this campaign is over, I wanted to provide an additional resource. Here is an alternate fundraising campaign helping UNHCR :
http://donate.unhcr.org/international/general/
9/17/15 @ 8am EST: It's been a while since I posted anything here, and to be honest I've been a bit frustrated lately with the state of "world affairs". A quick glance at most of my social media presence and you'll easily glean how frustrated and worried I am about the growing immigration crisis in Europe (Pssst, USA - this is a great opportunity to stop hate mongering, rebrand, and be lady liberty again).
This morning though I wanted to share two stories of hope and community. It's always amazed me that the greatest wells of hope and positivity can often be found in the most dire of situations. Funny how humanity works sometimes.
Every day, on my commute to and from my current day job, I listen to Funkhaus Europa, a German radio station which highlights the myriad of culture to be found across Europe, and honestly they brand out quite a bit further than that through their Public Radio International affiliation. Last night on my way home the DJ smoothly transitioned into English (not unusual) and began discussing the refugee situation and calmly announced that FunkHause Europa will now serve an additional function as Refugee Radio. As a public service they are now announcing logistical situations around Europe such as Hungarian border closings and landmine dangers in the adjusted route over Croatia. These announcements are presented in both English and Arabic. Two of the larger language groups spoken among these refugees.
Listening to the announcement on the second half of my walking commute I had to work hard not to cry and to remember to look for cars, not just pay attention to the broadcast. I was so moved. I am amazed and proud to be part of a humanity that creates spontaneous community and helps those among us who are in need.
To anyone out there who is currently walking across 2 continents and facing countless perils in the hopes of being able to survive another day, I am in awe and my heart is with you. While I understand this may not always be the case, I hope you also feel the love from your international community, and know that you have brothers and sisters in humanity.
To anyone else out there who has a home, security, and knows where their next meal is coming from, I'm thrilled that that is the case for you as well. It would be a sorry state of affairs if the world was split cleanly between refugees, and homeless humanitarians trying to protect refugees. This next point is for you.
Last night I read a funny statement about a professional sports player. It was poking a little fun, but it used the term Natty Daddies. I had no idea what that even is, so I googled it, but before I could even press enter I found the Google Refugee and Migrant Response. Far more important than any prof. sports joke, Google has put together a matching donation campaign. They will match the first €5 million donations 1:1. While I haven't vetted the ins and outs of exact rations being donated to each of the 4 humanitarian orgs that will eventually receive donated funds, they are all reputable organizations that have current operations, and I would be happy to donate to any of them individually. I trust them. They are Doctors without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
So while today's isn't a story with pretty pictures about international cuisine or a funny anecdote about ninjas riding donkeys, I hope you enjoy a few stories of hope, and community, and even consider joining me in donating to relief efforts.
Stay safe, be loved, and love your neighbors - near and far.
http://donate.unhcr.org/international/general/
9/17/15 @ 8am EST: It's been a while since I posted anything here, and to be honest I've been a bit frustrated lately with the state of "world affairs". A quick glance at most of my social media presence and you'll easily glean how frustrated and worried I am about the growing immigration crisis in Europe (Pssst, USA - this is a great opportunity to stop hate mongering, rebrand, and be lady liberty again).
This morning though I wanted to share two stories of hope and community. It's always amazed me that the greatest wells of hope and positivity can often be found in the most dire of situations. Funny how humanity works sometimes.
Every day, on my commute to and from my current day job, I listen to Funkhaus Europa, a German radio station which highlights the myriad of culture to be found across Europe, and honestly they brand out quite a bit further than that through their Public Radio International affiliation. Last night on my way home the DJ smoothly transitioned into English (not unusual) and began discussing the refugee situation and calmly announced that FunkHause Europa will now serve an additional function as Refugee Radio. As a public service they are now announcing logistical situations around Europe such as Hungarian border closings and landmine dangers in the adjusted route over Croatia. These announcements are presented in both English and Arabic. Two of the larger language groups spoken among these refugees.
Listening to the announcement on the second half of my walking commute I had to work hard not to cry and to remember to look for cars, not just pay attention to the broadcast. I was so moved. I am amazed and proud to be part of a humanity that creates spontaneous community and helps those among us who are in need.
To anyone out there who is currently walking across 2 continents and facing countless perils in the hopes of being able to survive another day, I am in awe and my heart is with you. While I understand this may not always be the case, I hope you also feel the love from your international community, and know that you have brothers and sisters in humanity.
To anyone else out there who has a home, security, and knows where their next meal is coming from, I'm thrilled that that is the case for you as well. It would be a sorry state of affairs if the world was split cleanly between refugees, and homeless humanitarians trying to protect refugees. This next point is for you.
Last night I read a funny statement about a professional sports player. It was poking a little fun, but it used the term Natty Daddies. I had no idea what that even is, so I googled it, but before I could even press enter I found the Google Refugee and Migrant Response. Far more important than any prof. sports joke, Google has put together a matching donation campaign. They will match the first €5 million donations 1:1. While I haven't vetted the ins and outs of exact rations being donated to each of the 4 humanitarian orgs that will eventually receive donated funds, they are all reputable organizations that have current operations, and I would be happy to donate to any of them individually. I trust them. They are Doctors without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
So while today's isn't a story with pretty pictures about international cuisine or a funny anecdote about ninjas riding donkeys, I hope you enjoy a few stories of hope, and community, and even consider joining me in donating to relief efforts.
Stay safe, be loved, and love your neighbors - near and far.
