Soccer Balls for Refugees

In March of 2018, Heart to Heart International (HHI), a global nonprofit humanitarian aid organization,  sent 500 unpoppable soccer balls from One World Play Project to a refugee camp in Syria. These ultra-durable balls are perfect for the difficult and harsh conditions children face in refugee camps. And now, we are planning to send even more balls to other camps around the world.

While traditionally known for providing disaster relief, Heart to Heart International’s mission has always been to create a healthier world, and this includes mental health. Children constitute 51 percent of refugees, and these children have been traumatized by the loss of their homes, their communities and even their families. Research shows that play is critical to physical, social, and emotional development, especially for kids living in challenging circumstances.

“We have been providing humanitarian aid in the form of medicines, hygiene supplies and tents for years, but that still was not addressing the fundamental need for these children to be children. These children are living in tremendously difficult conditions for the sole reason that they were born in a particular part of the world. We are not going to ignore the needs of these children,” Jim Mitchum, HHI CEO, said.

It has been proven that play improves mental and emotional well-being, especially in those who have experienced trauma. With these unpoppable soccer balls, these children, many of whom cannot remember a time where they didn’t live in a refugee camp, have the chance to play and receive all the benefits that play provides.

Help us bring the healing power of PLAY to children living in refugee camps all over the world. $20 provides one unpoppable soccer ball and gives children the chance to be children again!

Help us help children PLAY! 

http://www.hearttoheart.org/our-work/refugees/