Over the past 18 months, International Rescue Committee in Northern California has been overwhelmed by the generosity and interest of our local communities - from elementary school students hosting jog-a-thons to raise funds and corporate groups organizing in-kind donations drives to hundreds of individuals reaching out to volunteer and municipal leaders speaking up in support of refugees.

The IRC now has a new tool community members can use to amplify their voices and efforts – Crowdrise. The first person to use Crowdrise in support of refugee resettlement in Northern California is Zanoon Nissar, who has a tradition of supporting important causes on each of her birthdays. Zanoon was introduced to the IRC through a corporate engagement event her company, Google, participated in with the Oakland office. Since then, she has helped get more Googlers involved with the IRC and brought her parents to our annual fundraiser. Now, she’s harnessing her networks through Crowdrise to host the #RefugeesWelcome: Holiday Gala in December in honor of her birthday. Below is a quick Q&A with Zanoon about why she became involved with the IRC and her goals for her event! Want to start your own? Visit our Crowdrise page!

Why are you interested in supporting refugees?

I am an immigrant to the US (Muslim, immigrant from Canada) and I love the promise of this country, that everyone gets a shot...that everyone is welcomed. It is our duty to protect these ideals. My parents arrived in the winter of 1976 to Detroit, Micigan, and my uncle made sure they had snowsuits, a warm place to stay, and a job for my dad. We couldn't have made it without the support. I think we can all empathize with wanting to feel included, to new beginnings and having hope for the future. 

With the outcome of the election, I know that immigration issues and the plight of refugees matter now more than ever.  

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How did this giving birthday tradition start? 

In 2014, I decided to do my first birthday fundraiser. I had travelled to Siam Reap, Cambodia recently and visited local elementary schools, and wanted to find a way to help. My friends and I organized a flashmob fundraiser in Union Square that helped build a music & arts program for the kids of the Elma School.

What is your goal with this event?

I’ve enlisted the support of a number of friends and colleagues who are helping out! Our goal is to raise $20,000 and increase awareness for the refugee families who are resettled in Northern California.

Event Details

All are welcome, so if you are in the Bay Area please plan to attend!