​​As Global Humanitarian Need and Ongoing Conflict Escalate, IRC Ambassadors Sir Patrick Stewart, Rami Malek and Indira Varma Launch Giving Appeal this Holiday Season

New York, NY, November 19, 2024 - With the giving season upon us, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is urgently calling on the public to support people affected by armed conflict, the climate crisis, and economic hardship. This week, IRC Ambassadors and acclaimed actors Sir Patrick Stewart, Indira Varma, and Rami Malek echo this important call to action across the organization's social media channels as humanitarian needs skyrocket.

The messages are especially important this winter season, as this is a prime time for illnesses to spread, and the cold weather only makes it more difficult for civilians to access the care and protection they need.

Sir Patrick Stewart emphasizes the importance of helping people in crisis, stating, "I believe in helping people in crisis, whether they are from Lebanon, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, or any troubled area around the world. I ask you to join me in supporting the International Rescue Committee's life-changing work. Your support today matters. It can provide medicine, emergency food, critical supplies, and many life-changing programs. It is a gift of hope when families need it most."

In 2025, nearly 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection due to conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic turmoil. Additionally, 122.6 million people are currently displaced globally.

Rami Malek highlights that "families are often forced to leave everything behind, living in makeshift shelters without access to medical care, or even clean water." Indira Varma underscores that, "while people talk a lot about the refugee crisis, it is time to do something about it."

On average, each humanitarian appeal is currently only funded by 25% of projected needs, leaving aid workers and civilians stranded. These mounting challenges require urgent scaling of tested and trusted solutions to curb the cycle of crisis. The IRC's global giving appeal aims to address these critical needs and provide essential support to those affected.

With the winter season upon us, IRC clients across Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, and the world are struggling to find safety, stay warm and access essential services.. Families are often living in fragile environments that aren't intended for freezing temperatures. Donations to the IRC can provide critical support to those in need, offering a lifeline to help refugees and people in crisis zones survive, recover, and rebuild their lives.

Director of Entertainment Relations at the IRC, Sandee Borgman, emphasized the collective effort:"Public action is crucial to help the many children and families seeking safety, protection, and warmth this winter. The IRC Ambassadors' holiday call to action highlights the importance of supporting our work to serve civilians affected by conflict, climate disaster, or poverty. By making a gift today, you'll help the IRC deliver the critical assistance families need to make it through these challenging months."

$10 can provide a family with essential hygiene supplies, $20 can vaccinate one person with an infectious disease, $30 can provide one family with clean water for a month, and $230 covers the entire treatment of a child for malnutrition. For more information and to make a donation, please visit rescue.org/givingtuesday