Inspired by the Islamic faith and guided by its values, Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) was founded with the mission of creating a caring world where social obligations are fulfilled, communities are empowered, and people unite to respond as one to the suffering of others. Part of the global family of Islamic Relief organizations, IRUSA has a broad remit. In addition to aiding those who have lost everything in natural disasters or conflict, IRUSA provides long-term solutions to relieve poverty and suffering in communities all over the world.
IRUSA invites its supporters to join in the charity’s life-changing Adventure Challenges. Participants explore new-to-them destinations, meet a variety of people, and drive positive change in the world. By participating, supporters have an opportunity to push their boundaries, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and trek through uncharted terrain while contributing to a worthy cause.
Adventure Challenge Pakistan
In 2022, IRUSA staged an epic multi-day Adventure Challenge through Pakistan. Volunteers from all over the world joined the Islamic Relief team, trekking, climbing, and rafting through Pakistan’s mesmerizing valleys. The itinerary included visits to field projects in Islamabad and meeting beneficiaries as well as ziplining, rafting in Kunhar River, trekking to Happakum camp, camping at Rakaposhi Base Camp, visiting Altit Fort and Eagle Nest, and ice climbing on Passu Glacier.
Each participant set the goal of raising $2,500, and they were provided with a personal crowdfunding page. The Islamic Relief team also provided tips and tools to help participants kickstart their crowdfunding journeys.
Adventure Challenge Türkiye
In September 2024, IRUSA plans to lead another multi-day Adventure Challenge, this time through Türkiye. Participants will journey through time as they explore the history of the Ottoman Empire. They will get to see mosques, tombs, and contemporary villages and towns as well as other archaeological sites. Although participants will be cycling between towns, they will be exploring the culinary scenes available at each day’s destination. The itinerary begins and ends in Istanbul.
The registration fee $650, and participants commit to raising $2,000. Although accommodation and meals will be covered while in the country, participants must meet their fundraising goal to participate.
Have Fun While Supporting Lifesaving Work
By joining a challenge with Islamic Relief USA, participants are supporting the organization’s lifesaving work in the U.S. and around the world. Here is a snapshot of just a few projects and initiatives led by IRUSA and its Islamic Relief partners.
Disaster Management and Emergency Response
IRUSA’s Disaster Management Team responds to crises at home and abroad. Its goal is to respond quickly to provide communities with vital resources effectively and efficiently. As a National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster member, Islamic Relief communicates and collaborates closely with other organizations active in disaster relief as well as government organizations. IRUSA is also the first Muslim charity to partner with the American Red Cross.
In 2022, IRUSA’s Emergency Disaster Team served 100 households in the wake of the devastating Bronx apartment Fire, providing follow up support to 160 families in total. In addition, the organization also supported 33 households impacted by the Oklahoma tornado, and 24 more families affected by the tornado in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Islamic Relief also supported 2,500 households during the Jackson water crisis, as well as providing aid to 1,000 households in Fort Meyers, Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
IRUSA supports refugees around the world, providing vital aid across the sectors it specializes in. As of 2022, some 100 million people around the world had been forcibly displaced, 27.1 million of whom were classified as refugees. Violence, persecution, and conflict are cited as the leading reasons that people flee their homes. Data from the UN Refugee Agency suggests that the global displaced population has reached an all-time high. As with other crises, children are disproportionately affected, accounting for over 40 percent of all refugees.
Refugee and Displaced Persons Aid
Two-thirds of the world’s displaced persons come from just five countries: Venezuela, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Syria, and South Sudan. Thanks to the generous support of donors, IRUSA and its partners have been able to provide aid to all five refugee populations both within and outside of their own countries.
Islamic Relief’s Refugee Aid program delivers food, clean drinking water, sanitation, health care provisions, education, and winter aid. The organization also provides sustainable livelihood opportunities, helping to fuel economic empowerment and social inclusion, enabling families to build better lives both in the present and for generations to come. The organization supports refugees from Venezuela, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Syria, and South Sudan. Islamic Relief also provides aid to Iraqi and Palestinian refugees across Türkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan.
About Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA has been a leading US charity for almost 30 years. The organization’s standard of excellence in business operations and prioritization of community partnerships has earned it recognition as a top-ranked non-profit. IRUSA has received awards and accreditations from an array of organizations, including Charity Navigator, Better Business Bureau, Guidestar Exchange, Great Nonprofits, Combined Federal Campaign and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
IRUSA is also a member of numerous international bodies and associations, including the Coalition of Human Needs; National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster; Refugee Council USA; Interaction; Alliance to End Hunger; Alexandria Chamber of Commerce; and InsideNGO.
All around the world today, IRUSA is saving, extending, and improving lives through its innovative programs. With its global partners, IRUSA envisions a world free of poverty and suffering, where people are empowered to have a voice in their communities and on the global stage.