By Sally, Australia

Over 1 million lives have been lost, and more than 2 million people have been displaced due to the conflict in Sudan.

I don’t know about you, but I find these kind of statistics overwhelming. So many people, such an enormous need, where would I even begin to help? In the face of such despair it’s tempting to do nothing. To change the channel or close the browser.

But what if I could introduce you to just one family?

To a person, with a face, and a name, and you could sit opposite her and listen to her story?

Follow me into a rundown apartment block and climb seven flights of broken concrete stairs. Be careful, the lights don’t work and it is hard to see the rubble and garbage in the dark.

Come inside, let me introduce you to Amina, a young mother who fled from the war raging in her home town and now lives in this empty apartment with her children. Little Josef was born on the floor here just one month ago. The boy you see on the balcony is James. He’s fourteen years old, and loves to play soccer, but these days he often stares into the distance. He misses his father who works in a distant city so he can send money home to pay the rent. The little girl who has taken your hand and is smiling shyly is Yasmin, and the girl hiding behind her mother is Maria.

Come through to the bedroom and sit on the bed.

I’m afraid it’s the only furniture there is. Amina tells you that she and her 5 children all sleep together under their one blanket. Did you notice the small pile of clothes in the corner? That’s all they have. 

Amina would love to offer you some water, but she has no glasses.

There’s no food either. The family only eat once a day.

Listen as Amina tells you about her second son, Ibrahim, who is twelve and loves to read but has no books. She wishes he could go to school. Without an education, what hope does he have for the future? 

As you take Amina’s hand to say goodbye, and look into her eyes, you realize that you might not be able to help the millions of refugees around the world, but you have the power to help one family. Amina’s family. 

Our team have listened to Amina and seen with our own eyes what she needs.

With your help, we have the opportunity to provide the household items Amina and her children so desperately need. Visit our Shop for Change to transform Amina’s life today and brighten her family’s Christmas.