Help refugees recover from stress and trauma
Thousands of people in the Netherlands – refugees, war victims – suffer the consequences of trauma every day. They struggle with fear, tension, anxiety, insomnia, and physical complaints. They have often lost their country, family, home, and safety.
What do we do?
We, Acupuncturists Without Borders-Netherlands (AWB-NL), offer these people peace and relief with: Ear acupuncture Small needles in the ear create peace of mind and heart. People feel more like themselves again – and this effect often lasts for a long time.
Who are we?
We are a group of certified, volunteer acupuncturists, trained by AWB-USA. Since 2022, we have been offering treatments at reception centers for Ukrainian refugees and later also for refugees from other countries. To date, we have provided more than 6,000 treatments – without structural funding.
Our story: from pioneering to building
Acupuncturists Without Borders Netherlands began in 2022, when a group of passionate acupuncturists decided to do something for refugees. Trained by Acupuncturists Without Borders USA, we volunteered in shelters to provide treatments to Ukrainian refugees – people who had lost everything.
What started as a small-scale initiative grew rapidly. We have now provided more than 6,000 treatments at dozens of locations to refugees from various countries.
All voluntary. All with passion. To help people find peace again – in their bodies, minds, and lives.
Now we are at a crossroads: we don't just want to continue, we want to build. Build a strong organization. Help more people – by strengthening their resilience. Train more volunteers.
What do our volunteers say?
These are some sample texts; we can ask people ourselves. Miguel's note for website placement: Suggestion: as between blocks on the page (for example, as visual 'quote cards' with a photo or illustration). More tips will follow on how to place Amr & Mustafa's interviews.
"Time and again, I see people deeply affected by their experiences visibly relax after just one session. That continues to move me." Sara, volunteer acupuncturist
"I never thought I could make such an impact with something as small as ear acupuncture. This work is a calling for me." Mehdi, practitioner since 2023
"We do this because we believe in recovery, even when words fail." Anja, volunteer & therapist
Testimonials: the impact of our care
Our treatments truly make a difference. Here, two people share their stories:
“After the treatment, I could finally sleep again. The pain disappeared.” Mustafa, client and volunteer
“The sessions gave me back peace and control. It felt like my body was listening again.” Amr, client and translator
Our next step is establishing an official foundation. We want to lay a solid foundation for the future: a foundation in the Netherlands, as a subsidiary of AWB-USA.
Everything will go towards enabling more treatments, better organization, and future-proof care.
What if there's money left over?
Don't worry! If there's any money left over, the remaining amount will go to our parent organization, AWB-USA (with ANBI status).
How can you help?
Your support makes all the difference. Donate today and help us offer people peace, resilience, and recovery.
Option 1: Donate through WhyDonate 🔗 https://whydonate.com/nl/fundraising/steun-vluchtelingentraumazorg-doneer-aan-acupuncturists-without-borders.
Pay with iDeal, PayPal, credit card or Banontact. Simple & secure.
Option 2: Direct bank transfer Account number: NL00BANK0123456789 to G. Geelhuijzen (initiator of AWB-NL) referring to "Donation AWB Netherlands".
This account will be transferred to the official foundation upon incorporation. Until then, everything will be managed transparently.
Option 3: Donate through AWB-USA (ANBI) Would you like to donate through an organisation with ANBI status? Go to: www.acuwithoutborders.org 🔗 https://www.acuwithoutborders.org/donate and include "AWB Netherlands" in your donation.
Why donate?
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You'll help people with deep trauma and stress-related issues
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You'll support volunteers who dedicate their knowledge and time
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You'll help build a sustainable Dutch organisation
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You'll contribute to affordable, effective, and accessible healthcare
"Everyone deserves peace of mind, heart, and body. With your support, we'll do our best to make this possible."
Every euro helps. Thank you for your contribution!
Doel | Bedrag |
|---|---|
Beroepsaansprakelijkheidsverzekering | €1.600 |
Website & onderhoud | €1.800 |
Juridisch advies & Notaris | €1.200 |
Organisatieontwikkeling & communicatie | € 750 |
Totaal | €5.500 |
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
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