Thursday, March 29, 2012

Inside ARC - 3.29.12

Hi jay,

I hope you enjoy some recent updates from our programs around the world.

Sincerely,

-Daniel

Daniel Wordsworth, President

*********************************************** 

 *Billboards in South Sudan*

Our team in South Sudan has been a leader in preventing violence against women. They launched a campaign late last year which featured a national TV ad, radio spots and grassroots community activism encouraging men to use their hands to build a strong South Sudan. The team also launched a new billboard, which is now being posted throughout South Sudan. It reads: “Harming a Woman Harms Your Nation, Use Your Hands to Build Your Country, Not to Destroy its Women.” See the billboard for yourself at: http://on.fb.me/GZbv05.

*Healthy Twins in Pakistan*   

In honor of International Women’s Day, the team in Pakistan shared the story of Hasina, a woman who delivered healthy twins. Our staff provided her with medical attention, recommended further treatment and worked with her family to allow her to get the assistance she needed. “I cannot express my feelings enough, but I know that when I see my children I feel blessed,” Hasina said. “I know they are alive only because ARC was there on time.” To read the article, visit http://bit.ly/zmPZRG.

*San Diego Rallies For Somalia*

Led by the efforts of two San Diego State University (SDSU) students, Mohamed Ahmed and Yousef Abraham, communities in San Diego are coming together to support Somalia and the I AM A STAR campaign.

Ahmed and Abraham led fraternity and sorority students in Greek Week, a week of activities that raised funds and awareness for the crisis in Somalia and the I AM A STAR campaign. Students participated in a competitive change drive, a fundraising talent show and a barbeque. The largest groups of students were seen during the week’s service day. Many students packed and distributed meals to families in need, while many others spent the day at the largely Somali Iftin Charter School. At Iftin, university students hosted a carnival for the kids and later painted the school’s playscape. The week culminated in a day of games and a celebration of cultural diversity and a commitment to making a difference. Check out the amazing photos on Facebook (and make sure to “like” them and leave comments): http://on.fb.me/H0lbrP. 

*Board Meeting*

Our board of directors met recently in Minneapolis to discuss the development and advancement of the organization - unrestricted donations are vital to our funding model. They also voted to change our fiscal year, which coincided with the calendar year. Now it will begin each March.

 *Giving*   

At the request of readers, I always include these links so they’re easy to find when you need them. Thanks so much.

Donate online: http://www.ARCrelief.org/donate

Become a monthly donor: http://www.ARCrelief.org/givemonthly

Give Us a Call: (800) 875-7060

Send in a gift:

American Refugee Committee
Donor Service Center
P.O. Box 1002
Minneapolis, MN 55480-1002 USA

 

 

 

 

 


Unsubscribe from receiving email, or change your email preferences.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Clean Water = A Brighter Future

Hi jay, 

Clean Water = A Brighter Future. Not making the connection? Let me explain.

Today is World Water Day, a day we all stop and think about water and how it affects our lives. But for nearly a billion people across the globe, every day is water day. Because they have to worry about water – how to get it and whether it’s clean and safe to drink – every day.

Families may spend hours walking to a source of clean water. Mothers may not be able to work because they spend so much time collecting water. And girls may drop out of school to help out at home or because their families just can’t afford to send them.

But we can start a ripple effect to help women and children reach their potential. We can give entire communities places to collect clean water. Mothers can have the opportunity to work and send their children to get an education and a shot at a better future.

Please, share this infographic today with your friends and remind people of the importance of clean water.

Sincerely,

-Daniel

Daniel Wordsworth
President

P.S. In honor of World Water Day, please think about making a donation to help people in need. If you can, consider joining our monthly givers who give each and every month to get clean water and other life-changing relief to people who need it, when they need it.

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Unsubscribe from receiving email, or change your email preferences.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Inside ARC - 3.9.12

Hi jay,

It’s amazing how little things can truly make a difference. Whether it’s providing essentials after a fire in Thailand or building a playground in Rwanda, we have improved the lives of people in need.   

I hope you enjoy reading more about this work and other highlights from the past couple weeks below. Thanks to everyone who sent me feedback after my last update. I’m always interested to hear what you think.

Sincerely,

-Daniel

Daniel Wordsworth, President

*********************************************** 

 *Fire at Umpiem Mai Camp in Thailand*

A devastating fire took place recently in Umpiem Mai Camp in Thailand, destroying 550 houses and leaving about 3,300 refugees homeless. The fire started by accident from a charcoal stove, and refugees helped prevent the flames from spreading further by pulling the flammable thatch down from the roofs of their homes.

After the fire died down, our refugee staff responded immediately, providing mosquito nets and mats to people who lost their homes. They also distributed water containers and other essentials, got the water system running and built latrines. “It is heartwarming to see refugees pitch in quickly to help their neighbors and do what they can – though they do not have much,” said Chuck Schumacher, ARC Thailand’s Field Coordinator. “The refugees will probably not cherish the frightening fire – but they will remember the goodwill they received from everyone who worked together to help.” 

We provide health services, clean water and sanitation and livelihoods opportunities in the camp, where about 17,000 refugees from Myanmar live.

*Basketball Court and Playground in Rwanda*   

The Rwanda team is partnering with a group of camp residents to build a basketball court. The group is pouring cement and repairing and replacing hoops and backboards. A soccer field may soon follow! Dozens of people in the camp have formed a “Manchester United Fan Club,” and more than 80 volunteer club members have been working to develop a larger sports center in the camp.

In Rwanda, we also recently completed the first playground in Kiziba camp. Our team shot this video: http://youtu.be/rH9g5Lw3nUA .

*Uganda Community Activists*

The team in Gulu,Uganda distributed bags to 170 ARC-trained community activists. They’re such small things, yet the bags serve an important purpose: they will protect the activists’ awareness-raising materials and posters from rain as they trek through remote areas of Uganda. The activists meet with families and groups to help build community in the wake of Uganda’s civil war. The bags themselves raise awareness with messages of peaceful homes, relationships and community.  

 *Giving*   

From now on, I'll always include easy links so it's easy to find when you need it. Thanks so much.

Donate online: http://www.ARCrelief.org/donate

Become a monthly donor: http://www.ARCrelief.org/givemonthly

Give Us a Call: (800) 875-7060

Send in a gift:

American Refugee Committee
Donor Service Center
P.O. Box 1002
Minneapolis, MN 55480-1002 USA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Unsubscribe from receiving email, or change your email preferences.