FUNDRAISING WITH
UNHCR CANADA
Fundraising for UNHCR is a fun and rewarding way to get your friends, family and community to make a difference in the lives of refugees and displaced people worldwide. Not only will you be raising crucial funds, you’ll also be raising awareness for one of the biggest humanitarian issues of our time.
With over 67 million people around the world forced to flee their homes, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) works to ensure everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge.
Your time and dedication to raise funds for refugees will provide them with protection, shelter, health services, education, clean water, better sanitation and hygiene systems, defending and restoring their dignity.
3 SIMPLE STEPS
Click on the Become a Fundraiser button on top of this page and create your personal fundraising page!
The system will walk you through setting up your personalized fundraising page – It’s easy and only takes a few minutes!
Share your fundraiser with the world via email, social media, in your workplace, and anywhere else you can think of!
WAYS TO START
FUNDRAISING
GET ACTIVE FOR REFUGEES
Love to dance, run, ride, do yoga or play sports? Whatever it is that gets you moving, set yourself a personal challenge and help refugees at the same time! You could host exercise classes by donation or have a soccer or hockey match.
And did you know if every Canadian walked the length of two marathons, it would equal the total distance traveled by asylum seekers each year to reach safety? Challenge your friends and family to walk, run or cycle in solidarity with refugees and get them to support your fundraiser!
CELEBRATE A MILESTONE
We always have a reason to celebrate: Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries! Whatever it is that you’re celebrating, make your special occasion even more meaningful by supporting refugees who may not have the same privilege. Ask your friends and family to make a donation to your fundraiser rather than getting you a gift.
If you’re getting married, consider making a donation in lieu of getting your guests wedding favours. Let us know and we’ll send you printable table cards.
SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES
Getting your class, school or university involved with UNHCR is a great way of making a huge impact both in your community, and in the lives of refugees.
If you’re a teacher or parent, special events happen in schools all the time – here’s your chance to encourage your community to start advocating for refugees. If you’re a university student, add your voice to the millions of UNHCR supporters and gain support from your peers across campus. You could host annual refugee-themed galas or have coffee stands near study areas!
DIY - GET CREATIVE
So you’ve got a unique idea on how to fundraise for refugees? Well now is your chance to stretch your creative muscles!
We also have some fun and creative ideas in our toolkit that will make you a social movement superstar in no time with your friends and family.
Remember – whatever activity you decide on, by choosing to be a part of UNHCR, your efforts will help refugees have access to vital services and it will also make you an advocate for their basic rights.
Need some guidance to give your fundraiser a boost? Below you’ll find everything you need to get the most out of your fundraising efforts.
We’ve included a toolkit for you with the latest tips and tricks! Once you’ve planned your fundraiser, get in touch with us and let us know. We’ll send you a starter pack with UNHCR information brochures, magazines, donation forms and a signed letter of support indicating we are aware of you fundraising on behalf of UNHCR Canada. We also have UNHCR posters, balloons, pens, stickers and more for decoration.
Now all that’s left for you to do is spread the word and start fundraising for refugees!
Have questions? Contact our Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Associate: Faria Bhuiyan
416-926-7965 | bhuiyan@unhcr.org
We’re available 9:00 – 17:00 EST, Monday to Friday.