Update: UN Refugee Kickstarter Campaign to Aid Syrian Refugees Exceeds $1.1M. Yes, You Can Do Something to Help.

The crowd has made and is making the difference.  Over 18,655 Kickstarter backers have responded to the UN’s call for funding to aid refugee Syrians in crisis. As reported by Crowdfund Insider‘s JD Alois, the White House has reached out to Kickstarter to help raise funding to aid in the refugee crisis During this year alone, the strife in Syria has forced half a million refugees to flee Europe and elsewhere in search of safety and a better life.  Six thousand more are arriving in Greece each day.  Kickstarter and UN Refugee Agency have successfully raised over $1,190,678 to deliver assistance for those in need.Globally, more than half of the refugee population is under 18. Often, children end up separated from their loved ones, lost in strange new places, according to UNHCR..

“For months, we’ve all watched the steady unfolding of a humanitarian crisis. Waves of refugees, driven from their homes by violence and war, have given up everything to escape,” commented the campaign. “They’ve crossed nations on foot and open water in cramped, unsafe boats, just to reach someplace — anyplace — safe. UNHCR’s job is to help them survive and recover: to provide aid and shelter, reunite families, and support people as they struggle to build new lives.”

Money given through this campaign will go directly to USA for UNHCR to provide aid to people who need it — everything from food, water, and warm clothes to special care for children separated from their families.

“This is a complex and evolving crisis, and there are no overnight solutions. But even a small contribution can give a family a place to sleep, or a child a set of dry clothes — and to them, that helps a lot,” commented the campaign.

USA for UNHCR is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations to USA for UNHCR are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. It’s not too late to donate, crowdfunders. The campaign ends in 5 days.