16 years ago, my family and I left our home on a plane to cross the ocean into a foreign land. At 10 years old, my life was turned upside down and I was thrown into a situation where I had to learn a language and support my family through the immigration hoops. Following our arrival, DC was hit with a blizzard and it was the first time I saw snow. I was confused, missed my home, and felt lost.
My family chose to move to the US, for a better future for my brother and I. We were picked up from the airport by my aunt and I watched the blizzard from the comfort of her home, and it was still hard for me to adjust.
Now imagine being ripped away from your home without shelter, food, or water. You’re forced out to escape sexual violence, torture, and aggression.
While some of us never even leave our hometown, there are 43.7 million people forcibly displaced worldwide.
20.5 million of those are children under the age of 18.
49% of all refugees and asylum seekers are women.
You don’t have to be a famous actress, politician or a human rights activist to help out. You can help by spending $5 on a Blue Key.
I know. Because of social media, there’s an overabundance of causes and charities and “DONATE TO US” messages overwhelming you right now. It’s also the holidays, and yes, the economy is crap.
Do me a favor though. Imagine not only being homeless, but being driven out of your country. Imagine being thrown into an awful situation after already being through so much hardship.
You have a chance to make a difference, right now. Go ahead, and grab that Blue Key to help UNHCR bring more refugees home.
