By Raye Mocioiu

Dr. Samantha Nutt, Founder and President of War Child USA and War Child Canada, knows that the impact of war is felt long after the crisis ends. From the devastating destruction of communities to stripping their families of vital means of support, to taking away their access to education and legal protection, war changes everyone and everything it touches.

An award-winning humanitarian, bestselling author, acclaimed public speaker, and medical doctor, Dr. Nutt has worked on the frontlines of many of the world’s major crises—from Iraq to Afghanistan, Somalia to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone to Darfur, Sudan. Her experiences in dozens of conflict zones around the globe gave her firsthand insight into how war impacts not only communities but also children and their families.

Since 1999, War Child has worked on the frontlines of the world’s major crises, from Iraq to Afghanistan and beyond. Along the way, the organization has amassed support from celebrity changemakers, musicians, and actors like Sarah Rafferty.

Beloved for her acting roles in hit TV shows like Suits, Chicago Med, Grey’s Anatomy, and Netflix’s My Life With the Walter Boys, Rafferty has long been an example of what it looks like to use your platform for positive change.

Devoted to building awareness of the gender-based barriers that affect girls and women worldwide, Rafferty is an Ambassador for Plan Canada’s “Because I am a Girl” campaign and Seth and Lauren Miller-Rogen’s Hilarity For Charity, which works to raise brain health awareness among the younger generation and advocate on behalf of caregivers. In 2019, Rafferty joined forces with War Child.

“I was introduced to War Child through my good friends Thomas Sadoski and Amanda Seyfried, who are both War Child Ambassadors,” Rafferty explained. “They asked me to join a host committee for a fundraiser they were helping to organize—a comedy night in Los Angeles with Sarah Silverman and friends. I was moved by what I learned about War Child and their work from founder Dr. Samantha Nutt and the War Child team that evening. Since then, I’ve learned so much about the state of the world and those in far-off places who are often forgotten once the headlines disappear.”