Dear John, 

Last winter was the coldest in a decade in Afghanistan. Temperatures fell below -20 degrees Celsius, putting displaced families in grave danger.

Fatima was displaced for around two years before she tried to return to her home province. However, she couldn’t afford to pay rent, so she and her young children were forced to seek shelter in a small cave.

Without money to pay for food or medicine, the situation became so desperate that Fatima made the agonising decision to part with her youngest son. She sent him to live with her brother in Iran, in the hopes that he would be better looked after.

After eight months living in the cramped, cold cave, UNHCR staff found Fatima and provided urgent assistance, including warm blankets and emergency cash grants. These grants enabled Fatima to buy food and fuel, and to make the cave more comfortable for the family.

“Everything you see here, I have bought with the money UNHCR provided. If I didn’t get this help, my situation would be terrible.”

Right now, thousands of families like Fatima’s are already feeling the icy grip of winter. If you would like to help refugees and displaced families stay warm this year, then the best way to help is by making a further donation to UNHCR.

Your support is absolutely vital this winter and allows refugees like Fatima to have a warm home.

Thank you, 

Monia Hassan
International Supporter Care
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

P.S.: Please do not hesitate to contact us by replying to this email. We want to ensure that your experience with us as a valuable donor is not only impactful but also pleasant and convenient.