#60 | Revisiting: Josie Naughton on Revolutionizing Refugee Aid with Choose Love
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In 2015, Josie Naughton and her friends could never have imagined how a single act of compassion would grow into a beacon of hope for millions. Compelled by the urgent needs of refugees arriving in Europe, they turned to social media, hoping to gather a modest collection of donations. What followed was a heartwarming surge of generosity that laid the foundation for Choose Love. This wasn't just about donations; it was a movement powered by love and solidarity.
Eight years on, Choose Love has become a testament to what humanity can achieve when united by compassion. Raising over $100 million, the organization has extended its support to over 5 million displaced people across the globe, through more than 475 partner organizations. Each contribution tells a story of hope, each volunteer's effort symbolizes a step towards a kinder world. Josie's journey from a simple call for help to leading an organization that embodies the very essence of love and care is a powerful reminder of the impact a few determined hearts can have on the lives of many.
“The mission of Choose Love is to work toward a world that chooses love and justice every day for everyone.” Josie Naughton
With a streamlined team and the support of countless volunteers, Choose Love excels in connecting with local, grassroots organizations to provide immediate aid to those displaced by crisis, leaving many without a home or nation to call their own. Under Josie Naughton's guidance, this dedicated team quickly assesses urgent needs, devises solutions, and spearheads fundraising efforts to meet these challenges head-on. Remarkably, in a mere eight years, Choose Love has mobilized over $100 million in support—an extraordinary achievement for a fledgling charity.
Check out Choose Love’s innovative online store built to help support refugees!
Josie Naughton invites us into the heart of Choose Love's mission, sharing insights from their impactful work across diverse regions—from Syria's war-torn communities to Ukraine's conflict zones, from Afghanistan's rugged landscapes to Mexico's bustling cities. She outlines how Choose Love collaborates with local partners to pinpoint and address the critical needs of displaced communities, ensuring timely and effective support. Moreover, Naughton openly discusses the hurdles encountered along the way and the unwavering resolve that fuels her commitment.
Connect with Josie & Choose Love:
✨ Choose Love Website: chooselove.org
✨ Choose Love Online Store: choose.love
✨ Instagram: @chooselove
✨ Facebook: Choose Love
✨ YouTube: youtube.com/@choose-love