Hi friends, 

Thank you for your help saving my Uncle Josephs's family, who are trying to escape Burundi. In order to get them safely out of their country, my family has to raise $5000 by the end of June. Your donation will help them arrive safely in Uganda, where they will await the long process of applying for refugee status to join Joseph in the United States.

For more information on the family and where the money is going, please scroll down.

We have all heard about refugees in the news, but not all of us have a personal connection to those fleeing their home countries.  My name is Aline, and I am a refugee from Burundi. A lot of my family is still over there, trying to find their way to safety. If you aren't familiar with what it is like in Burundi right now, or why people are fleeing the country, watch this video:


My Uncle Joseph recently was able to get a visa to come to the United States for my graduation celebration (I just graduated from ASU with my Masters of Social Work). Unfurtunately, due to the conflict back in Burundi,  he is unable to safely return home. His wife, Jacqueline, and 7 children are still back in Burundi.

In order to get them safely out of their country, my family has to raise $5000 by the end of June for fees and documents. Your donation will help them arrive safely in Uganda where they will await the long process of applying for refugee status to join Joseph in the United States.

Please, if you are even able to give $5, it will make a huge difference. If you are able to share this page with your networks, we will be forever grateful -- it is truly a matter of life and death. 

Here is a little bit more about the family:

Jacqueline, his wife, loves her children and spends her time taking care of her family

Jean-Chretien, age 17 has cerebral palsy and wheelchair bound -- he loves math and makes good grades in school.

Don-Divin, age 15 is the comedian of the family, constantly lifting everyone's spirits.

Aubin, age 14 will talk your ear off if you let him -- and he is sometimes too clever for his own good! We think he might be a future journalist.

Ira-Patience, age 12 is at that phase where he is constantly moving and can never sit still. He loves playing soccer and gymnastics to keep himself busy -- he can even walk on his hands!

Lina-Gracia, age 10 is the shy and quiet one in the family, constantly observing others. She makes great grades and is even the top of her class!

Annie-Daniella, age 6 loves playing with dolls and other toys. She makes her own dolls to play with and loves making others laugh.

Milka, (almost) age 2 is learning how to talk -- she is working on learning everyone's names, learning how to run around, and is a typical 2 year old. 

Here is exactly what we are raising funds for:

$280 each for passports (x8=$2240)
$400 for the car rental (x3 cars=$1200)
$200 for food (x3 months=$600)
$150 rent for where they will be staying in Uganda (x3 months=$450)
$350 for household items and clothing (they are unable to take any of their belongings with them) and other relocating and living fees
$20 each for passport and visa photos (x8=$160)

$300 will cover the fees that the crowdfunding website charges

total=$5300

Thank you so much for donating as you are able, and for privately sharing  with friends in messages! It will truly save their lives.

 More background information on the conflict in Burundi: