Emergency funds for family

**UPDATE: Stage 2 of Fundraiser (Jan 2, 2024)**

Dear friends,

I am hosting a personal fundraiser to support 23 of my family members, comprising the households of 4 immediate aunts and uncles. These families include elderly individuals, very young children, and those with serious disabilities. In the initial round of fundraising (see message below), we secured approximately $11,000 CAD (reflected in the amount already collected), which played a critical role in bringing my family to safer regions within Sudan and helping some seek refuge in another country. The newest wave of brutality that commenced on December 15th has once again displaced my already displaced family and hundreds of thousands of Sudanese people. With the militias capturing more and more of the country, more are being forced to leave Sudan entirely.

Despite facing multiple displacements due to the ongoing war, the 7 breadwinners of these families have used previous funds that we've raised, along with personal savings and loans, to start new businesses in the cities they were displaced to. Unfortunately, the recent advancement of the war has brought these efforts to a standstill. Financial support from family members in the diaspora, including myself, has been crucial. However, the total loss of income and any means to secure it have stretched those of who have been supporting, with most of us now having reached our capacity to provide further financial assistance.

The remaining amount we currently need to complete the final stage of their fleeing to and resettling in neighboring countries, along with the absolute basics for one month (food, shelter, essential medications) is $32,000 CAD. This cost is an added cost to the elements we have already covered - initial and some advanced costs, including passports, emergency visas, and plane tickets for 13 family members (an endeavour that cost us no less than $35,000 CAD in the last month - not including the money that’s been sent for daily living costs). 

Despite working highly specialized jobs (multiple jobs in some instances), we find ourselves unable to cover these escalating costs. It is with this reality in mind that I am reaching out to the wider community, yet again, for support.

Please consider contributing to this personal fundraiser and helping me reach my goal. No amount is too small, and every donation makes a significant impact. Rest assured that your support will be a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.

If you are unable to donate, we ask you to please help us spread the word to your networks of friends and family <3

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Stage 1 of Fundraiser (April, 2023):

Hi friends,

This fundraiser is intended to provide support for my family, who have been displaced by the war in Sudan. The funds will support 24 individuals (5 elders, 5 children, 5 youth, 8 adults - three of whom have serious disabilities, and 1 pregnant young mama).

As many of you know, a war broke out in Sudan on April 15th and conditions are quite unbearable. Many of my family members have fled the war and others remain trapped in deplorable conditions, with fighting still ongoing. This money will help stabilize my immediate family, who fled to Egypt, and close family members who are still in Sudan and trying to flee, but are unable due to bank closures. They have been displaced from their homes, are cut off from their sources of income, and remain without access to essential needs.

Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Please help spread this link by sharing it with your circles of friends.

With love and gratitude,

Aayah.