Over 6.2 million kilometers have been contributed by supporters since the campaign launched globally eight months ago.
In an incredible show of humanity, people all over the world have come together to take a step with refugees.
Over 6 million kilometers were contributed worldwide to our 2 Billion Kilometers to Safety Campaign, a global movement that invites everyone to walk, run, hike, cycle and swim in solidarity with the forcibly displaced. As of July 24, supporters around the world have contributed over 6.2 million kilometers since its launch globally eight months ago.
This challenge honors the courage and strength of the forcibly displaced who travel a total distance of 2 billion kilometers to reach the nearest point of safety. It is also a tribute to those who had been physically incapacitated by war and violence.
Filipinos break a sweat for refugees
Filipinos also showed that they stand in solidarity with the forcibly displaced. Supporters in the Philippines have pledged over 120,000 kilometers since online sign-ups went live October of last year.
To further bolster the cause, UNHCR partnered with outdoors and travel group Trail Adventours in organizing hikes that benefit the refugee cause.
So far, there had been four benefit hikes where climbers summited mountains and learned how their steps contribute to support refugees. Future climbs will be held every third Sunday of the month.
Also carrying the campaign’s torch in the private sector is Gold’s Gym Philippines.
Incentivized programs for members and non-members alike encourage gym goers and fitness enthusiasts to contribute their kilometers to the campaign.
Gold’s Gym Ambassadors used their voices to raise awareness for the forcibly displaced.
“I am joining this initiative with UNHCR because this is something that is close to our hearts as Filipinos and it really hits us home in terms of places in conflict like the ones currently happening in Mindanao,” shared Gold’s Gym Ambassador Mich Baay.
Timely summit
The achievement of this milestone comes in the heels of this year’s commemoration of World Refugee Day last June 20. In the weeks leading up to June 20, almost 11,000 people signed up for the campaign.
Meanwhile, around 7,000 supporters stepped up during the week of World Refugee Day. These numbers add up to a global total of 58,000 people joining the movement.
UNHCR hopes to maintain the positive momentum and attract more participants to the cause in the coming months.
You too can take a step with refugees: click here to the join the global movement. You can also sign up for our monthly hikes here.
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