Ad Industry to Hold Refugee Relief Night

The APA is leading an industry-wide effort to help the current refugee crisis in Europe by rallying with a handful of creative companies including to host a fundraiser event in London next week.

The night will include an auction and raffle with all the proceeds donated to the cause to show the industry’s support and concern for the biggest refugee crisis since the Second World War.

"There are now almost 60 million people fleeing conflict and persecution around the world. Many take huge risks with their lives trying to find a safe new home, but escaping the horrors of war can often be as dangerous as enduring them," reads a press release for the event, happening next Wednesday night (23 Sep) at London’s 100 Club.

“We are all conscious of this crisis and many people in our industry want to do something to help, so we are putting on an event to do so. We want the whole industry to be involved and you can help by coming on the night and buying raffle tickets and auctioned items.”

The last time the industry came together for a humanitarian cause was during the Japanese Tsunami crisis. The Location Guide with the help of other production companies was instrumental in raising over £12,000 through auctions, raffle tickets and generous donations by various companies and individuals. All proceeds from the event were given to the Japanese Red Cross.

Organisers this time around are welcoming donations of items to be auctioned and help in any other way to make the event a success. A ticket price of £5 will also be donated to the final proceeds from the night.

All money raised will go to Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), who work in Syria providing refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) with everything from psychological care to life-saving nutrition. Their work includes setting up hospitals in refugee camps, helping women give birth safely, vaccinating children to prevent epidemics and providing access to safe drinking water. They also conduct search and rescue work to save the lives of migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean Sea.

An online donating page has also been set up for those who are unable to attend the event.