Fundraise for Refugees

Learn more about UNHCR fundraising and support refugees with your friends, family and community! 

Photo: © UNHCR/Yorgos Kyvernitis

Fundraising for UNHCR is a fun and rewarding way to get your friends, family and community to make a difference in the lives of refugees and displaced people worldwide. Not only will you be raising crucial funds, you’ll also be raising awareness for one of the biggest humanitarian issues of our time.

With over 100 million people around the world forced to flee their homes, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) works to ensure everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge. Your time and dedication to raise funds for refugees and displaced people will provide them with protection, shelter, health services, education, clean water, better sanitation and hygiene systems, defending and restoring their dignity. 

Get Started in 3 Simple Steps

Click on the Become a Fundraiser button on top of this page and create your personal fundraising page!

The system will walk you through setting up your personalized fundraising page – It’s easy and only takes a few minutes!

Share your fundraiser with the world via email, social media, in your workplace, and anywhere else you can think of!

Refugee Fundraising Ideas

Fundraisers are a key part of supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. However, it can be difficult to come up with a fundraising idea on your own, so we’ve put together some of our favorite fundraising ideas to get your creative ideas flowing!

Get Active for Refugees

Love to dance, run, ride, yoga or play sports? Whatever it is that gets you moving, set yourself a personal challenge and help refugees at the same time. You can host exercise classes by donation or have a sports match with your friends 

Did you know if every Canadian walked the length of two marathons, it would equal the total distance traveled by asylum seekers each year to reach safety? You can challenge your friends and family to walk, run or cycle in solidarity with refugees and get them to support your fundraiser. 

Celebrate a Milestone

Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries – there are lots of reasons to celebrate! Whatever it is that you’re celebrating next, make your special occasion even more meaningful by supporting refugees. Ask your friends and family to make a donation to your fundraiser rather than getting you a gift. If you’re planning an upcoming wedding, consider making a donation in lieu of getting your guests wedding favours. Let us know and we’ll send you printable table cards. 

Schools and Universities

Do you have a unique idea on how to fundraise for refugees? Well now is your chance to explore those ideas! 

You can also refer to our toolkit for some fun and creative ideas that will make you a fundraising superstar in no time with your friends and family. Remember – whatever activity you decide on, by choosing to be a part of UNHCR’s team, your efforts will help refugees have access to vital services while making you an advocate for their basic rights. 

Get Creative with a DIY Fundraiser

So you’ve got a unique idea on how to fundraise for refugees? Well now is your chance to stretch your creative muscles!

We also have some fun and creative ideas in our toolkit that will make you a social movement superstar in no time with your friends and family.

Remember – whatever activity you decide on, by choosing to be a part of UNHCR, your efforts will help refugees have access to vital services and it will also make you an advocate for their basic rights.

Need some guidance to give your fundraiser a boost? Below you’ll find everything you need to get the most out of your fundraising efforts.

We’ve included a toolkit for you with the latest tips and tricks! Once you’ve planned your fundraiser, get in touch with us and let us know. We’ll send you a starter pack with UNHCR information brochures, magazines, donation forms and a signed letter of support indicating we are aware of you fundraising on behalf of UNHCR Canada. 

Now all that’s left for you to do is spread the word and start fundraising for refugees! 

Contact Us
Have questions? Contact our Donor Care Team

We’re available 9:00 – 17:00 EST, Monday to Friday. 

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