While everyone slept in Christmas morning, Brangelina were out saving the world again on Christmas Day. They were in San José, Costa Rica visiting refugees and handing out presents to the children. Angelina Jolie was there on behalf of the UNHCR as Goodwill Ambassador.
Costa Rica is home to more than 11,500 refugees – 10,000 of them victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. The vast majority live in large cities around the country and micro-credits are used by the UN refugee agency to help them integrate into their urban settings.
Three million people have been displaced by the conflict in Colombia itself. Another 500,000 have fled to other countries of the region. Together, they make up the largest single population of concern to UNHCR anywhere in the world. It is the Western Hemisphere's biggest humanitarian tragedy.
After her arrival to San José, Angelina said:
"The conflict in Colombia is the greatest humanitarian tragedy in the Western Hemisphere, but it receives very little international attention. My Christmas message to Colombian refugees and to the millions of displaced people in Colmbia is that the world has not totally forgotten them.
It's been sad for me to hear so many negative stories that show confusion between refugees, who are the victims of the conflict, and some criminal elements."
It continues to amaze me how selfless Angelina and Brad are when it comes to their commitments to their humanitarian causes. Sure, they have the money and the time, so why not, but when you compare this story to stories about celebs skiing in Aspen, sunning in Hawaii, or partying in St. Barths, it makes you realize that it really takes the heart and effort to do what Angie and Brad take the time to do. I mean, what was I doing on Christmas Day? Going to the malls like every other American to buy Christmas decorations and cards for 50% of so I can use it next year. (OK, I'd like to think I was fueling the economy.) You get the drift. They really inspire me, the natural kindness that they have towards people. May There be Peace on Earth!!!
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