Kirsten’s Bday Wish – Baja Border Angels Supply Drop!

As many of you may already know, my parents were refugees and my sister and I are first-generation Americans. I wouldn't lead the amazing life I do, had they been turned away. I now live in a border town and I witness the impact of the current xenophobic, anti-immigrant political climate every day—firsthand. Because of this, I began volunteering with Border Angels, an organization that spreads kindness and offers critical resources and material assistance to immigrants and refugees, from life-saving water drop for migrants in the desert, to English tutoring, to free legal advice. Border Angels currently works on the front lines to address a humanitarian crisis unlike anything we've seen in recent history here in San Diego/Tijuana.

Right now Border Angels is spearheading assistance outreach for thousands of Haitian refugees living in temporary encampments (some without paved roads or access to a municipal water supply) and sleeping on the floors of churches in Tijuana. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, thousands of refugees have slowly made their way—by bus and on foot—through South and Central America, North to Tijuana. (For more background please read this LA Times article.) Families, including dozens of children, now wait indefinitely for the chance at a better life, and are in desperate need of warm clothing, food, water, and basic hygiene supplies.

For my 40th birthday, I decided what I wanted most was to gather a group of wonderful, fierce female friends for a Baja trip focused on taking action for something that means a lot to me. So, instead of birthday presents, we are pooling our funds to visit and drop off supplies to several Haitian refugee shelters in Tijuana. I have done supply drops to these shelters already and I am coordinating with Border Angels to ensure our mission will have the maximum positive impact.

I would love it if you would help me celebrate my birthday by supporting us with a donation in any amount ... nothing is too little! Instead of a birthday card or celebratory drink, chip in for something that means the world to me and will directly ease the burden for our brothers and sisters in need. All funds will go directly to support the refugee shelters!

• $10 will fund 20 gallons of fresh water for cooking, bathing and hygiene
• $20 will fund 50 diapers and baby products
• $50 will fund beans and rice for 20 meals
• $75 will fund 8 blankets
• $100 will fund new, clean underwear in multiple sizes for men, women and children

Thank you so much for your love!