Formed in 2019, the Refugee Donation Cup, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based out of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Led by the organization’s President, Nkeshimana Josephat, our focus is on providing support and instilling hope for those living in refugee camps, returning to their homelands, and immigrating to the USA.
about Refugee donation Cup
Refugee Donation Cup's Founder and President, Nkeshimana Josephat, left his home country of Burundi in 1972 to escape war and civic unrest. He spent 26 years as a refugee in the Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). Due to the Congo's civil war, Josephat and his family fled to Tanzania in 1996. They spent 11 years there in the Mtabila Refugee Camp until they were moved to the USA by the Refugee Immigration Service. Since, the family of six has made Fredericksburg, VA their new home.
"This is my mission, to help those on this journey from being a refugee to
becoming a contributing member of a community in the United States."
- Nkeshimana Josephat, Founder & President of the Refugee Donation Cup, Inc.
The Founding of Refugee Donation Cup
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In simple terms, the Refugee Donation Cup started as a cup on a desk in a small company in Fredericksburg, VA. The dollars put into that cup, no matter how small, made a real difference in the lives of a refugee family that came to the United States in 2008. Since his arrival, not only has Josephat worked hard to improve his family's situation, but he has also worked diligently to help those coming to the United States from refugee camps.
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Remembering how difficult it was to be a child in the camps- finding food, basic necessities, and safe, havens for play and learning- he wanted to help in any way possible. This gave birth to the Refugee Donation Cup. Since the cup was first put out, the funds raised have helped feed over 65 children and have provided them with learning materials.
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When asked, "Where did your journey begin?", Josephat responds with a story from his childhood. "When I was little and living in my home village (which was actually a refugee camp that was turned into a village), my father's house was at the entrance. Visitors would always stop and ask for directions. Most would get lost within minutes due to so many paths and turns. I realized that I should take their hand and show them the way. This is my mission, to help those on this journey from being a refugee to becoming a contributing member of a community in the United States."
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View our home page to learn more about what we do and how you can make an impact.
Our Core Values
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Dignity: Providing refugees the basic tools and resources needed to become self-sufficient, contributing members of their community
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Empowerment: Assisting beneficiaries to help themselves through integration and entrepreneurship
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Quality: Making sure new immigrants have the skills and resources needed to have a good quality of life
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Hope: Instilling hope in the midst of despair for those living in refugee camps, returning to their homelands, and immigrating to the USA
