Proceeds from web sales through the holidays to Adopt-A-Future Campaign
As some of you know, I’m on the Board of Directors for the local division of the United Nations Association. I’m proud to announce the partnership between the UNA and USA for UNHCR: The UN Refugee Agency. We are collaborating on the Adopt-A-Future campaign.
When young people are forced to flee, they leave behind more than just their homes – they also lose the ability to go to school. Safe access to a quality education is critical for refugee children to thrive and provides hope for a brighter future. Despite the fundamental need for education, refugee children face incredible obstacles and barriers to access. The Adopt-A-Future campaign, launched in 2016 by UNA-USA and USA for UNHCR, works to prevent a lost generation by giving refugee children the education they need to build a better future.
Lidia Bastianich, Emmy award-winning public television host, best-selling author, restauranteur and former refugee, was named a celebrity champion for the Adopt-A-Future campaign and is now encouraging more Americans to get involved. “As someone who has personally experienced life as a refugee, I’m honored to become a champion for the right of refugee children to get an education, which provides opportunity and hope,” said Bastianich.
To date, more than 30 UNA-USA Chapters have made a commitment to refugee education by raising $3,000 each. This money will allow UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to build new schools and repair existing facilities. It will also provide children with the uniforms, textbooks and other supplies they need to attend school.
For anyone looking to combine fun holiday shopping for the kids in their own lives, with the pleasure of also committing an amazing act of kindness for these refugee kids, I’ll be donating a portion of net receipts on all children’s book sales from the website through the end of the year.
Or, for anyone who wishes to donate directly, please visit the UNA website, and select the NY chapter to allocate your donation to our chapter’s commitment.