Australia
Batting for Afghanistan wrap-up
More than 4,000 people bought virtual cricket bats, raising over $100,000 for Afghanistan.
Australia
More than 4,000 people bought virtual cricket bats, raising over $100,000 for Afghanistan.
More than 4,000 individuals and corporates bought virtual cricket bats to support Australia for UNHCR’s Batting For Afghanistan campaign, raising $110,000 for the people of Afghanistan.
Our Batting for Afghanistan appeal, spearheaded by cricketing legend Ian Chappell, encouraged cricket-loving Australians to support UNHCR’s efforts in Afghanistan by buying a virtual bat or bidding on an array of auction items.
Individuals who purchased a bat also wrote message of support on a virtual cricket pitch for the Afghan people, who are currently facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
More than 3.5 million people have been displaced by conflict inside Afghanistan, with a staggering 700,000 – mostly women and children – fleeing their homes since the beginning of last year. The crisis is escalating daily and many vulnerable families are on the edge of starvation. Nearly 23 million people, or over half the population, are facing extreme levels of hunger, and nearly 9 million of them are at risk of famine.
Ian Chappell, who has been Australia for UNHCR’s Special Representative for more than two decades, was instrumental in recruiting supporters for the campaign. In 2002 he helped launch our first Afghanistan appeal and has been championing refugee rights ever since.
See also: Batting for Afghanistan
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our donors and the community who held fundraising events to support the people of Afghanistan.
Cricket writers Gideon Haigh and Peter Lalor organised an event with Ian Chappell and former England international cricketer, Mike Atherton, raising more than $10,000.
Other community fundraising initiatives include a high tea at the Four Season Hotel in Sydney, organised by Afghan Australian designer Anjilla Seddeqi and former editor of Vogue, Kirstie Clements. The high tea was attended by 45 people and raised more than $16,000 for Afghanistan.
A dinner event in the Queensland city of Toowoomba raised more than $15,000. Afghan Australian women living in Toowoomba prepared and donated the food for the event.
UNHCR has been on the ground in Afghanistan for four decades, providing food, supplies, education and healthcare to Afghans who’ve had to flee their homes due to conflict and uncertainty. We couldn’t do what we do without your support, so thank you.
If you would like to continue supporting UNHCR’s critical work in Afghanistan, you can donate to our Afghanistan emergency appeal.
Craftivists Stephanie Dunlap and Tal Fitzpatrick reached out to artists around the world to raise funds for Australia for UNHCR
Woolly idea raises thousands for refugees
Use your creativity for a good cause
The majority of funds raised by Australia for UNHCR are directed to UNHCR’s emergency operations, providing the ready funds and resources to respond quickly and effectively in situations of crisis and disaster.