Jesuit Refugee Service/USA has announced that a $1 million gift from the Romulus T. Weatherman Foundation Group has enabled the organization to evacuate and facilitate asylum for Afghan refugees in Portugal.

The grant helped the organization’s Portugal country office resettle two hundred and twenty Afghans, including a hundred and fifteen players and family members of the Afghanistan National Youth Women’s Soccer Team; individuals who aided Portugal, Germany, and Estonia during the war; and other families referred for asylum by JRS Portugal.

“This is an incredible example of the power of philanthropy,” said Jesuit Refugee Service/USA executive director Joan Rosenhauer. “We are grateful that the Weatherman Foundation has taken the long view and is making a significant contribution to JRS’ operations that will allow us to support each family sustainably as they begin to build their lives in Portugal.”

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome these deserving people to the beauty and safety of Portugal and introduce them to the generous Portuguese people,” said Elizabeth H. Weatherman and Andrew P. Duncan, co-heads of the Romulus T. Weatherman Foundation. “In addition, the care that JRS/Portugal is giving refugees is outstanding.”

(Photo credit: GettyImages/Christophe Cerisier)