***UPDATE****

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our #MovedToWelcome challenge this June!

We exceeded our financial goal and raised $2,560! The money has been donated to our Afghan refugee friends in need of a new car that can help them get their son to his medical appointments in DC. Thanks again to all who so generously contributed!

We almost met our movement goal of 360 miles in the month of June, but due to a couple injuries we came up a little short at 334 completed miles. Hopefully those last few miles will be finished off the first week of July.

Regarding making phone calls to Congressional reps, we only got 13 out of our goal of 50. But 13 is better than nothing! It's still not too late to make calls if you feel led. All info can be found here: https://worldrelief.org/advocate/sustain-legal-protections-for-parolees/

Thanks again for joining us in this worthwhile cause!

****End Update****

June 20th is World Refugee Day and our team is joining forces with others from World Relief in a #MovedToWelcome challenge.

Our goal this month is three-fold:

1) Move 360 miles (325 miles walking/jogging and 35 miles biking)

Our team is committed to hit the sidewalks and trails - moving for a good cause!

2) Raise $2,500 (or more!) to support a local Afghan refugee family

This Afghan family lives in Berryville, VA and are neighbors with some of our team. They have a 2 year old son who has recently undergone his sixth surgery in less than a year. His treatment and frequent check-ups happen at Children's Hospital in DC, about 1.5 hrs away. The car they currently own has a lot of issues and is not reliable. They need to upgrade for all the travel his medical care requires, and we hope to contribute towards that purchase.

3) Mobilize 50 phone calls to Congressional representatives on behalf of refugees

Globally, more than 120 million people have been forced to flee their homes because of persecution or violence. Those that have already found a safe place here in the U.S. are now facing new risks of losing their legal protections.

If you feel moved to reach out to your representatives on behalf of these refugees, the following link will make it very easy to make a call - or two or three! The tool will determine your appropriate congressional offices and connect you automatically. Suggested talking points are also provided. All info can be found here: https://worldrelief.org/advocate/sustain-legal-protections-for-parolees/

Also, this link has a helpful pdf in preparing for any advocacy calls you may make.

Text or email us to let us know when you've made a phone call (or more!) so we can track progress towards our goal.

***To learn more about Refugees and Immigrants, check out this informative 8 minute video by our friend Matt Soerens from World Relief.

Also, if you prefer to donate directly to World Relief and support the awesome advocacy and refugee resettlement work they are doing, you can find out more and do so on Matt's #MovedToWelcome page here .

Thank you for your consideration in joining us in this endeavor, we appreciate you!