What can $5 buy these days? Hardly anything, it seems. A gallon of milk is close to that price. A gallon of gas is close to that price. There are some drinks at Starbucks that I think exceed $5. However, as small as this monetary unit seems, it can make a world of difference.
How, you ask?
Well, there’s this organization called USA for UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), and they are trying to close the funding gap that the UNHCR is experiencing as they try to help people in an increasingly severe refugee crisis. In 2011, there are 6,000 UNHCR agents around the world, and to support their work and raise money for their efforts, the USA for UNHCR wants us to buy 6,000 blue keys, which only cost $5 each.
“You don’t have to live like a refugee”
So Tom Petty sang. What does living like a refugee mean these days? According to stats provided to me by the Blue Key Campaign:
• There were about 43.7 million refugees in the world at the end of 2010
• 49% of refugees are women or girls
• About 47% of refugees are under the age of 18
• Many of the refugees were from countries torn apart by constant conflict like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia
“Listen, do you want to know a secret?”
So sang John Lennon.
Here’s the thing. I was invited to become a Blue Key Champion, and part of my pledge was that I would make sure 25 people bought a blue key (you can get a pendant or a pin, your choice). I just got mine today. The process took about 2 minutes, and my credit card was pinged for $5.
Now, I don’t want these Blue Key folks to think I’m a poopy champion, so I really need your help in getting these 25 keys claimed and paid for. All you have to do is go to the “Get your Blue Key” page. Then, come back here and let me know you got one so that I can make sure I’m living up to my word.
And hey, if you want to become a champion, ping @shonali or @rachaelseda on Twitter and they will help you out, or visit this Blue Key Champion form!
Thank you for your help!
Image Credit: UN Photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/un_photo/6106232719/in/set-72157623533807618<by United Nations Photo> via Creative Commons
View Margie Clayman's profile
Sean McGinnis says
December 6, 2011 at 12:23 pmYay. Didn’t think it was possible for me to love you more Margie, but now I do. Crud.
margieclayman says
December 7, 2011 at 5:29 pm@Sean McGinnis Sorry Sean. =/ hehe 🙂
NancyD68 says
December 6, 2011 at 12:30 pmThis is a really great cause! So glad there are people like you who make it their mission to help stave off suffering in this world!
margieclayman says
December 7, 2011 at 5:29 pm@NancyD68 Thanks Nancy. I’m sure trying! 🙂
Shonali says
December 6, 2011 at 1:35 pmI might like this line the best: “I don’t want these Blue Key folks to think I’m a poopy Champion.” ROFL! You’re anything but. Thank you so much, Margie!
unrefugeeagency says
December 7, 2011 at 10:21 am@Shonali Soooo not poopy! Great job, Margie!
margieclayman says
December 7, 2011 at 5:29 pm@unrefugeeagency@Shonali Well, you have to avoid being poopy. Isn’t that the first commandment? Thou shalt not be poopy? I think so…:)
JenFongSpeaks says
December 6, 2011 at 5:26 pmExcellent post Margie! Thanks for becoming a blue key champion, and helping to make a difference in the lives of refugees!
margieclayman says
December 7, 2011 at 5:28 pm@JenFongSpeaks my pleasure. I’m quite enjoying the crowd 🙂
Josepf says
December 7, 2011 at 12:12 amapparently this does not work if you’re in Canada, WTH,,, so when I’m back in the States later this month I’ll key myself….
unrefugeeagency says
December 7, 2011 at 10:23 am@Josepf Hello! As a US based organization USA for UNHCR is only offering the Blue Key in the states… good thing you will be in the country soon to order your key! Thank you for your support!
dabarlow says
December 20, 2011 at 12:20 amI’m not poopy, gave up my Latte! Peeps at work thought I was in need of caffeine though… 🙂
RachelRandall says
January 18, 2012 at 10:25 pmgetting one!