Concern launches camping fundraiser to raise funds for millions of displaced people

The Irish humanitarian organisation is asking people to pick any night in September to camp out in solidarity with the one-in-70 people globally who have been forced from their homes due to conflict, persecution or climate change. 

Participants can take part anywhere, whether it’s their back garden, local sports ground or on top of a mountain, so long as it is safe and legal to do so. Fundraisers are encouraged to raise €100 or more which will go toward supporting Concern’s work.

“We’re excited to launch Camp Out for Concern, a new fundraising initiative that challenges people to spend one night outdoors, to show support and raise funds for people who have had to leave everything behind to seek refuge and safety. As Irish people we are uniquely attuned to the plight of people going through these challenges, as a result of our own shared history of displacement,” said Sarah Keogh, Concern’s Community Fundraising Manager.

“If fundraising seems daunting then start small. As little as €20 could help to pay for four warm blankets for a displaced family who have no choice but to live in tents and makeshift shelters. Our team will also be there to support you every step of the way and we have some great incentives in place which are sure to put the ‘fun’ in fundraising.”

Concern is collaborating with Irish lifestyle content creator, Keelin Moncrieff on Camp Out for Concern. Keelin is encouraging families to join her in camping out this September, to raise money for essential, life-saving work, whist spending time with loved ones.

At least 117.8 million of the world’s population are currently forcibly displaced. according to recent figures by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with Sudan currently experiencing the largest displacement crisis. 

Zahra* and her children fled their home and comfortable life in Sudan and crossed the border into neighbouring Chad, soon after fighting broke out in Sudan in April 2023. She was separated from her husband while fleeing. She believes he is still somewhere in Sudan but doesn’t know if he is alive and, if he is, he has no way of knowing where she and their children are. 

When Zahra and her children finally arrived in eastern Chad after weeks of travelling and moving to avoid fighting, they were empty handed. It took several weeks before they received support and were moved to a refugee camp. 

Zahra says the support she received from Concern has been instrumental in alleviating the hardships she faces. 

“Concern gave us mats, mosquito nets, jerry cans and a kitchen set. When we arrived at the camp, we did not have anything, these things helped us so much. The jerry cans helped us to go and gather water, the pots allowed us to cook our food, and the mats and blankets enabled us to have something to sleep on and to cover ourselves in. 

We have seen families here sleeping on their bags, but I have mats, which my children and I sleep on. Thank you because without them life would be very difficult for us.”

Every euro raised will help Concern provide life-saving support, including emergency shelter, clean water, healthcare, food assistance and longer-term support to help people rebuild their lives. 

To sign up for Camp Out for Concern, go to campout.concern.net.

* Names have been changed to protect privacy

ENDS

For further information contact Eilis Staunton, Media Relations Officer, Concern Worldwide, at eilis.staunton@concern.net or +353 85 872 0720.