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CWS lauds refugee supporters

Christian World Service congratulates 70 Kiwis who have lived for five days on refugee rations to fundraise for Syrian refugees.

Taonga News/CWS  |  20 Jun 2016  |

June 20th is World Refugee Day and marks the end of a tough week for 70 people who completed the 5-day Operation Refugee rations challenge. So far, their combined efforts have raised nearly $30,000 for refugees from Syria.

Funds forwarded to Christian World Service’s Syria Appeal will help keep open a lifeline for Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. And over the next six weeks, every dollar given to CWS for the Syria Appeal will double in value, as the New Zealand Government has pledged to match all gifts given before August 1.

The UNHCR reports more than 4.8 million Syrians are sheltering in neighbouring countries, such as those where CWS partner the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) works. Since the Syrian conflict began over five years ago, DSPR has provided food, education and medical care to thousands of Syrians, alongside its staple work for Palestinian refugees.

“These refugees have proven their resilience and deserve the chance to rebuild their lives in a place of safety,” says CWS Director Pauline McKay.

As well as supporting refugees in the Middle East, CWS supports the campaign to double the refugee quota and is hopeful that with more pressure the government will increase the quota further.

“Like many others, CWS believes New Zealand can find a place for more people who have fled their homes and livelihoods.”

UNHCR reports 1.19 million refugees will need to be resettled by 2017, which means New Zealand’s current commitment contributes less than 1% of the need.

CWS is offering free worship resources to Anglican churches celebrating Refugee Sunday on 3 July,  available for download here: World Refugee Day – 3 July.  A children’s PowerPoint presentation and worksheet are also available. If Anglican communities are unable to mark World Refugee Sunday on July 3, they are encouraged to take up an offering or organise a fundraising event for the Syria Appeal on that day.

CWS is a member of ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together), a global coalition of more than 140 churches and church-related organisations that work together in humanitarian assistance, advocacy and development in more than 140 countries.

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