Good morning,
As we commemorate Giving Tuesday, the most significant charitable event of the year, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the 1208 Foundation's impactful journey, especially in the context of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Last week marked the end of our second year of operations, a period filled with monumental achievements, challenges, and unwavering dedication.
A Year of Remarkable Achievements
Our efforts this past year have been diverse and impactful. We've made front-page appearances in the New York Times, actively engaged with Congress for legislative efforts, and fostered close collaborations with the next generation of Afghan leaders. These initiatives align closely with our mission as a veteran NGO deeply involved in Afghanistan's evolving landscape.
Our Core Mission: Evacuating Afghan Families
However, the cornerstone of our efforts remains our evacuation missions. This year, we've successfully evacuated 25 families, totaling 120 individuals, from Afghanistan. This feat stands as a testament to the importance of Afghanistan NGOs and the vital role they play in humanitarian efforts. Our success in this endeavor has been made possible through the generous donations of our supporters, to whom we owe immense gratitude.
The Undaunted Spirit of Our Afghan Team
Special recognition goes to our Afghan team members - Suleman, Mahdi, Shewan, Mostafa, Wahid, and Farid. Their dedication and resilience, emblematic of the spirit of Green Berets and special forces, have been crucial in keeping our operations afloat amidst challenging circumstances.
Ongoing Challenges and the Need for Continued Support
Unfortunately, the situation in Afghanistan remains precarious. The strain of the last two years is increasingly evident, with escalating medical needs among children and the complexities of ongoing unrest in Pakistan, which complicates our evacuation efforts. The backlash against Afghan migrants has not only made our mission more challenging but also increased operational costs.
As we look forward to 2024, our goal is ambitious but critical: to evacuate an additional 250 individuals in the first six months. To achieve this, we need your continued support. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. A donation of $30 can provide a winter coat, while $150 can sustain a family of five for a month.
How You Can Help
Below are some options to assist our efforts, and more can be found on our website, www.1208foundation.org. Remember, there are various ways to support our cause, from financial donations to spreading awareness of our work. Sharing our story and forwarding this message can have a tremendous impact.
We are deeply thankful to everyone who has supported us thus far and are committed to continuing our work as a veteran nonprofit dedicated to the Afghan donation initiative and beyond. Your support not only helps us rescue those in dire need but also strengthens the global effort to address the aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Thank you once again for your continued support, and we hope to keep proving ourselves worthy of your trust and generosity.
Tom
Thomas Kasza
Executive Director,
1208 Foundation