As you tuck into your lunch, spare a thought for those displaced from their homes and consider what they might be eating, or not, as is often the case.
During one week in June, Islander Maria Villa Vine will be taking part in the Ration Challenge. This means that for one week, she’ll eat the same rations as a Syrian refugee living in a camp in Jordan.
What difference will it make?
Worldwide, there are more than 100 million refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people — the largest number since records began.
Money raised through Ration Challenges will help provide food, healthcare and life-saving support to Syrian refugees and people who have been displaced in Ukraine, as well as supporting Concern’s (who run the Ration Challenge) wider work of ending extreme poverty in the world’s poorest places.
Already raised £1,600+
Maria only announced that she’d be taking part in the challenge yesterday but has already raised £1,623. All donations made up to 10am tomorrow will be matched by Concern Worldwide.
Watch the video below with Maria opening the box of rations that she’ll have to feed herself from for seven days.
Why is Maria taking the ration challenge?
Maria told News OnTheWight,
“I have Irish heritage and have always had an affinity with human rights and refugees. As a teenager I was a member of ‘Amnesty International’ and learnt about injustice to people around the globe.
“I heard Lord Alf Dubs speak a few years ago and was moved by his story and his passion for justice for refugees. The pandemic taught me how we are global citizens and together we are stronger.”
Maria went on to explain,
“This is a challenge that is going to be a test for me as I love food, but I have the safety of the knowledge that this ends after seven days whereas refugees live with the uncertainty of food on a daily basis. As a Mother I find this heartbreaking.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated. You are all stars!”
Show your support
If you would like to show your support by donating to Maria’s Ration Challenge you can do so over on the official Ration Challenge Website.
See the Ration Challenge Website for more information.
