2018 Refugee Run Impact!

Because of all of YOU who participated in or donated to last summer's 5k Run/Walk for Refugees, you made it possible for us to help 47 local refugees this past year!

Some funds were used for practical purposes and some funds were used to spoil them!

Here's the impact you had on Milwaukee families this past year:

You helped 5 families pay back a portion of their airfare loan that enables them to fly to America. They had to show us proof of previous payments they've made, which shows us they understand the responsibility in repaying this loan. It is important they pay this loan back because it greatly impacts their credit here in America. They all understand that if they plan on buying a house in the future (which they all do), it's necessary they repay these airfare loans. Not only that, it also teaches them basic financial responsibility.

You provided diapers and wipes to 5 families with babies or toddlers. 

You helped the 13 women of Milwaukee's Newest Artisans participate in 5 craft fairs this year, which has made it possible for them to earn over $10,000! They were also featured in the Milwaukee Independent a few months ago! You can check out that article here:

http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/articles/local-refugee-women-crochet-plastic-bags-craft-items-earn-income-saving-environment/

Craft and Relic Market

You sent 2 teenage boys to a Milwaukee Wave soccer game for their first time...and even spoiled them with some concession snacks!

We still have a remaining balance from last year's event of $430. This will be used to get the women into more craft fairs and farmers markets and to help with school supplies and uniforms for a number of families.    

We also wanted to let you know that this year we will not have the Annual Run/Walk for Refugees. As for next year, it is yet to be determined as we reevaluate and hopefully find a bit more help! 

As always, thank you for your support!

A Wintry Update!

Winter in Wisconsin can sometimes be a drag...but not this year. We've been busy little bees ...here's what we've been up to!

At the end of January, Milwaukee's Newest Artisans participated in the two day Craft and Relic Market held at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex. It was one of the coldest weekends of the year, but people still came out to support them and for that we are grateful. They sold 62 baskets and earned $1101...which made it worth almost getting frostbite!

Also very grateful for our new, donated banner!

Not only that, we have seven new artisans who have joined the group and started crocheting! Not to mention, one of them includes our youngest member at the age of 10 years old. So far she's learned everything she knows from her grandma and has already sold 3 baskets!

To celebrate Black History Month, Milwaukee's Newest Artisans were invited to Franklin High School for their Black History Celebration. It was an inspiring night with great food, music, and a lot of support. The women sold 12 baskets, 1 mat, and earned $241 in just two hours!

Switching gears a little bit, our 2nd Annual Pub Crawl for Nepal was held during the week of Milwaukee's Polar Vortex! This year we had 33 participants - more than double the amount of people from last year! We had great support from Sugar Maple, Tonic Tavern, and The Highbury and raised $678! All donations will support the children we work with in Nepal. Thank you so much to everyone who came to hang out and show your support. We appreciate it more than you know! :)

Who doesn't love a good ole pub crawl?!

Believe it or not, spring is right around the corner....Stay tuned for our 1st Annual March Madness Bracket Pool coming soon!  All proceeds will support our work in Nepal. 

Our First Holiday Season!

We have been beyond blessed this holiday season and wanted to share with you what's been happening...all because of your support and generosity.

This past November we had our first ever Wine and Nepal Night. We shared pictures and videos to give guests a better understanding of the work we do in Nepal and why we do it. A really big thanks to everyone who came out for the night...even if you were there just for the wine! ;)

Thanks for hosting Katie!

 Two of the women from Milwaukee's Newest Artisans were asked to attend a local event to talk about their project with other refugee women. They taught them the basics of how to crochet using plastic bags. The women love sharing their skills and didn't hesitate when presented with this opportunity!

Demonstrating how to crochet using plastic bags

Another woman recently joined Milwaukee's Newest Artisans who arrived in the States not too long ago. She's picked up the project very quickly!

We are so grateful for a wonderful community member who organized a city-wide plastic bag drive for us. It was a huge help and provided the artisans enough plastic bags to last them quite a while! A big thanks to Classic Slice, The Urban Ecology Center - Menomonee Valley, and Riverwest Public House Cooperative for being kind enough to act as drop-off locations. And of course thank you to all of you, who donated your bags!

And this was only part of them!

During December, Milwaukee's Newest Artisans were welcomed to participate in three holiday craft fairs - they had a blast at all of them! Thank you to the South Milwaukee, Shorewood, and Riverwest communities for coming out to support their work and to show them just how much their skills are appreciated.

Riverwest Random Recycled Arts and Gifts Show

In just three markets, the women sold 176 baskets and earned $3,277. Just in time for Christmas! :)

Shorewood Holiday Craft Fair

Last but not least, let us not forget everyone who contributed so graciously on Giving Tuesday to make it possible for us to continue our mission. Thank you for your support!

We will continue to be great stewards of your gifts and do our best to ensure the people we serve feel God's love and know how much He cares about them.

Join us for our Upcoming Event:

2nd Annual Pub Crawl for Nepal
Friday, February 1, 2019 
Details coming soon!

Don't forget to check out our website!
www.whynotnowmissions.org