Dear Friends,
Yesterday we put out an urgent call for aid to refugees from Fallujah, with an initial goal of raising $20,000. The response was amazing. From a $10 donation from a high school student to a $1,000 gift from a medical doctor, the compassion of the American people began to shine through the fog of war. In less than 24 hours, we surpassed our goal—and that’s just the online donations!
In addition, a humanitarian aid group donated 300 pounds of priority medical supplies, Cliff Bar is donating high-protein bars for the children, an Iraqi-American returning home offered to be our on-the-ground liaison and people are pledging to do holiday house parties to raise more funds.
When we contacted journalist Dahr Jamail to tell him to good news, he was elated. “Holy cow, $20,000 already? I'm catching my breath. This is so beautiful.” Dahr had just returned from a visit to the Red Crescent, who said they could only care for—at most—60,000 refugees. “This leaves at least 140,000 refugees, mostly women and children, with no support,” said Dahr. “These supplies will be their lifeline.”
Also elated was Fernando Suarez del Solar, whose son Jesus was a Marine killed in Iraq. Fernando is joining us—along with other parents who lost children in Iraq and on 9/11—on a humanitarian aid delegation to the Iraqi/Jordanian border on December 27.
“I am so happy,”said a tearful Fernando. “Now we can finally help the Iraqi children! Let’s get bolder. Let’s raise $100,000 by the time our delegation leaves on December 27.”
So we now have a new challenge. $100,000 for the children of Fallujah. Let’s make it our collective holiday resolution.
If you haven’t already donated (or can donate more), please do so now. Donate securely online and challenge your friends, family and co-workers to meet or beat your donation. Visit: http://www.codepinkalert.org/donate. Send checks made out to Help Iraqis/Global Exchange to 2017 Mission St. #303 San Francisco, CA 94110.
On Thanksgiving Day, while you are enjoying the warmth of your loved ones, make a joint family pledge. One family told us they are donating $365, one dollar for every day of 2005.
