Global Refuge’s “Hope for the Holidays” Campaign Supports Refugee Children

Global Refuge’s “Hope for the Holidays” Campaign Supports Refugee Children The holiday season can be filled with joy and celebration, but for new refugee families adjusting to life in the United States, it can be a challenging and uncertain time. Global Refuge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting refugees, is celebrating 10 years of its “Hope for the Holidays” campaign, a tradition that brings holiday cheer to children and families who need it most. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge, shared more about the campaign during a recent Desert Living segment. “It involves holiday cards and toys that we distribute to refugee children and their families,” Vignarajah explained. “It’s a way of showing them that someone is thinking of them during a difficult time as they navigate their new lives.” The campaign has a far-reaching impact, sending thousands of holiday cards to refugee families in California and across the United States. Regional hubs, like Ascension Lutheran just outside of Los Angeles, help facilitate the distribution. Refugees who receive support come from all over the world, having passed through extensive vetting processes to be admitted to a host country. With less than 1% of refugees globally finding a new home, the campaign helps them feel welcomed and supported as they settle into their new environment. Community involvement is key to the success of the “Hope for the Holidays” campaign. Vignarajah emphasized how individuals, community groups, churches, and book clubs can participate by visiting Global Refuge’s website for a toolkit with sample messages, language translations, and instructions for sending the cards and toys. Vignarajah’s personal story adds depth to her commitment. Originally from Sri Lanka, she and her family were welcomed to the U.S. during a time of political turmoil. Her own experience of receiving community support inspired her to pay it forward to today’s refugee families. For more information and to get involved, visit Global Refuge’s website.