Every Refugee Has a Story to Tell
This past holiday season, Collateral Repair Project launched its annual winter campaign which is the biggest fundraising event of the year. This winter’s theme, “Every Refugee Has a Story to Tell”, was inspired by the Facebook page “Humans of New York” and the vibrant stories staff and beneficiaries share at the Family and Resource Community Center on a daily basis. Each day in December, CRP focused on one individual from its community and the story that person had to tell the world.
Stories are an integral part of Middle Eastern history and culture. Ever since the epic from ancient Mesopotamia of Gilgamesh was discovered in present day Iraq, stories have been passed on both orally and in writing, igniting the imaginations of countless generations both in the region and around the world.
CRP wanted to keep this important tradition alive while giving it a modern twist. The community members who bravely shared their stories with thousands of people through social media showed a side of the refugee community not often portrayed in the news. By sharing silly, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking anecdotes, the beneficiaries of CRP showed the world that refugees are normal people, just like everyone else. Though their lives have been uprooted by war and conflict; destruction and despair, they still have beautiful memories, along with hopes and dreams for the future. By cherishing these special moments, they are able to keep optimism alive for a better future.
By showing this very human side to the refugee crisis, donors and supporters of CRP answered the call to help these wonderful people in their greatest time of need. It’s not an easy task, asking for help, and CRP and its beneficiaries are beyond grateful for the support received from countless individuals all across the world. Through one month of fundraising, CRP was able to raise a total of $45,203, surpassing its goal of $40,000. The greatest outcome of this campaign was CRP’s increase in its monthly donors, or Partners in Repair by adding 44 new donors. This equates to a little over $1,300 every month that CRP can rely on for its Emergency Assistance Program which distributes monthly food and fuel vouchers, blankets, and other household items to families in need.
From everyone at CRP to all of you, Thank You!
