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
Yay. Didn’t think it was possible for me to love you more Margie, but now I do. Crud.
@Sean McGinnis Sorry Sean. =/ hehe 🙂
This 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!
@NancyD68 Thanks Nancy. I’m sure trying! 🙂
I 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!
@Shonali Soooo not poopy! Great job, Margie!
@unrefugeeagency@Shonali Well, you have to avoid being poopy. Isn’t that the first commandment? Thou shalt not be poopy? I think so…:)
Excellent post Margie! Thanks for becoming a blue key champion, and helping to make a difference in the lives of refugees!
@JenFongSpeaks my pleasure. I’m quite enjoying the crowd 🙂
apparently 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….
@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!
I’m not poopy, gave up my Latte! Peeps at work thought I was in need of caffeine though… 🙂
getting one!