On March 15th, the world marks the 5th anniversary of the Syrian civil war, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) announces it is teaming up with HBO’s Game of Thrones to launch the multi-platform RESCUE HAS NO BOUNDARIES campaign to bring attention to the global refugee crisis and raise emergency funds to help rescue the millions of people displaced by conflict and natural disaster. The RESCUE HAS NO BOUNDARIES campaign, led by Emmy-winning actress Lena Headey, along with other Game of Thrones cast members (past and present), including Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Liam Cunningham, DeObia Oparei, John Bradley, Tom Wlaschiha, Eugene Simon and Oona Chaplin, urges that the time is now to rescue refugees no matter where they are in the world.
According to the most recent UN figures, there are currently more than 60 million refugees and displaced people throughout the world, and nearly 1 million people per month are on the move due to the fallout of the Syrian civil war alone. The IRC is currently providing support to Syrian refugees in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Serbia and Greece. Inside Syria, the organization has reached almost 2 million people with medical care, shelter, emergency supplies and cash assistance, and is also providing classrooms, child-friendly spaces and counseling services for survivors of violence.
“We are currently facing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II,” stated David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee. “Our partnership with HBO and Game of Thrones—which premiered around the same time the war in Syria began—hopes to galvanize the general public to take action and rise up for refugees.”
IRC and HBO are encouraging people to visit http://www.rescue.org/GameOfThrones to learn about the needs of refugees and how they can help them through PSAs and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the Game of Thrones cast. The campaign unites Westeros with special appearances by the cast who famously portray the Lannisters and Starks as they voice their commitment for the millions of refugees in need.
“Our longstanding support of the IRC comes from a deep respect for the humanitarian work they do and a fundamental understanding of their mission to get much needed relief to millions of refugees displaced throughout the world,” explains Richard Plepler, chairman & CEO of HBO. “On behalf of the HBO employees and talent associated with Game of Thrones who graciously donated their time and resources to this effort, we are honored to join the IRC in this partnership at a time of great need around the world.”
Joining the IRC and HBO in this mission is Omaze, the experience-driven fundraising platform behind some of the biggest celebrity, influencer and brand experiences for fans, all in support of amazing causes. From March 13th – April 5th, for as little as a $10 donation, Game of Thrones fans from around the world can enter on the Omaze website for the chance to win their dream experience with the cast. One winner selected at random will attend the season six premiere and after party with the cast. All of the donations raised via the Omaze platform will benefit the IRC.
