Each of us saw the image of Aylan Kurdi, the 3-year-old child who tragically lost his life during his family’s attempt to find a life free of violence, poverty and war. As traumatic as that image was, there was one positive outcome. Globally, people opened their eyes to the growing refugee crisis, one the likes of which the world has never witnessed before. We kept hearing about the massive numbers fleeing, we would see the news coverage, but it took just one picture to finally unleash true compassion, attention and action.

For me, it was more personal. In May of this year, after joining the board of USA for UNHCR, I visited Refugee camps in Kenya and Uganda and saw first-hand the life a refugee lives. Knowing I would need to accurately share a refugee’s story, I knew I must at least visit and experience a small sliver of their lives.

Believe me, living in a refugee is camp is something you wouldn’t wish on anyone, not even a hated enemy. During our visit, we met with mothers and their children as well as the staff members who work day-in and day-out to provide what little relief they can. Tragically, for those in these camps, there is little to no livelihood, no chance of returning home and very little hope for any kind of future.

It is for that reason that I’m donating my birthday this year (October 31) to help the plight of refugees everywhere and also insure that more people truly understand what is at stake.

UNHCR humanitarian workers are working hard in Italy, Greece, Serbia, Hungary, Turkey and other countries in Europe to receive and assist the new refugee arrivals fleeing countries affected by violence and conflict.

At the same time, we continue to provide desperately needed aid and services in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and across Africa where refugees are facing food cuts and insufficient critical support services.

Please consider making a 100% tax-deductible donation and sharing with your networks.

With gratitude and admiration,

Susan