Standing in Solidarity:
JRS Responds to Global Crisis
2025 began with a major disappointment as the US government decided to suspend foreign aid. This decision meant a loss of $18 million in annual funding for the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), impacting life-saving programmes across nine countries. Thousands of vulnerable refugees, already uprooted by war, persecution, and climate disasters, suddenly faced the threat of losing vital support. In response, the JRS International Office swiftly launched a global appeal, which was met with an outpouring of solidarity.
JRS Singapore, in collaboration with CHARIS, initiated an online fundraising campaign on March 14, 2025. This appeal sought donations to provide emergency financial assistance, food rations, safe shelters, mental health and psychosocial support, education, and other essential services for refugee families living in desperate circumstances in Thailand and India.
With the blessings of Fr Francis Lim SJ, Regional Superior of the Malaysia-Singapore Region of the Society of Jesus, and Fr Colin Tan SJ, Parish Priest of the Church of St Ignatius, JRS also made an appeal at the Church of St Ignatius during the weekend of April 5-6.
We were deeply moved by the Catholic community’s response, which demonstrated solidarity through generous contributions, prayers, words of encouragement, and a powerful sense of shared mission.
Through this collective effort, we were blessed with donations totalling SGD 658,000 which has already begun to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Specifically:
- SGD 314,000 was allocated to JRS Thailand, providing emergency financial assistance for food, housing, and medical expenses. The funds will also support protection, mental health and psychosocial services, and educational programmes for marginalized urban asylum-seekers and refugees in Bangkok and Mae Sot.
- SGD 194,000 was directed to JRS South Asia to ensure that forcibly displaced communities in Northeast India continue to have access to education and protection assistance, safeguarding their cognitive and emotional well-being.
- SGD 150,000 was allocated to JRS Asia Pacific, supporting digital education initiatives that empower refugees and asylum seekers across the region with digital skills for their future.
JRS is profoundly grateful for the generosity and trust of all who contributed. This campaign reaffirmed our mission to bring hope to the displaced, assuring them that they are not forgotten and that many walk beside them in solidarity.
To all who have shared in the JRS mission, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for being true partners in faith and service.
