If you watch TV in Sweden in the month of October you might happen to see short ads for UNHCR aired during the breaks. That’s because UNHCR is running a DRTV campaign to raise awareness and raise funds for our emergency work. We thought you might have questions about this project and so we are ready to answer your questions here:
What is DRTV?
It stands for Direct Response TV. We broadcast an advert on TV and viewers respond directly by phoning us or sending an SMS from their mobile phone.
Why do you do it?
It’s a good way to raise awareness about our work and to raise much needed funds for our emergency operations.
Isn’t it expensive to have an advert on TV?
Actually no. You won’t find us on the major TV channels (which are usually expensive) and we use the cheapest advertising times we can find. TV stations don’t charge very much for the daytime spots that commercial enterprises are less interested in. Additionally, what you see is our own real life footage direct from the field – we don’t pay actors or directors for producing something in a studio.
So, it’s real life then?
Yes – 100 per cent. It’s a snapshot of the lives of refugees. That said, it’s impossible to show in only 90 seconds the suffering of someone who has lost everything because they were forced to flee their home. Equally a short TV ad cannot fully convey to a viewer the joy of a family reunited.
If I donate where does the money go?
Your donation goes into UNHCR’s emergency fund. It will be spent where it is needed most and where it can do the most good. At this very moment UNHCR emergency funds are spent on providing food, water and shelter for refugees in places like the Horn of Africa, Pakistan and Libya. We don’t know where or when the next refugee crisis will hit. Your donations mean that we are standing by and ready to help immediately.
How can I be sure my donation is used effectively?
UNHCR Fundraising Foundation is independently audited each year to ensure we comply with the highest ethical standards for fundraising. We are also monitored by Svensk Insamlingskontrol who award us a 90-account, this reassures donors that their donations end up helping the people who need it.
How can I donate?
Call us on 08 457 48 80 or click here
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