HBO's "Game of Thrones" may be the most popular show on television, but the war for the Iron Throne pales in comparison to the ever day conflicts and suffering of those in the real world. That is why the stars of the hit fantasy drama series have banded together to bring attention to a matter of actual importance.
Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) and many other cast members from the show, both former and current, joined forces in a public service announcement for the International Rescue Committee, asking fans of the show to done money that will go towards helping Syrian refugees. The ads will run throughout the show's sixth season.
"Our longstanding support of the IRC comes from a deep respect for the humanitarian work they do and a fundamental understanding of their mission to get much needed relief to millions of refugees displaced throughout the world," Richard Plepler, chariman and CEO of HBO, said in a press release. "On behalf of the HBO employees and talent associated with Game of Thrones who graciously donated their time and resources to this effort, we are honored to join the IRC in this partnership at a time of great need around the world."
Proud to announce our partnership with @HBO & @GameOfThrones. Learn more: https://t.co/uPD3Bln3ws #RealmToTheRescue pic.twitter.com/3qfrMqH71d
— IRC Intl Rescue Comm (@theIRC) March 13, 2016
"Mass exodus: Millions on the move, escaping war, famine and destruction," Headey says in the ad. Her fellow cast members join here: "Sixty million people are displaced worldwide. Real people, now on the most dangerous journey of all."
The campaign includes a contest to win a trip to meet the cast in Los Angeles at "Game of Thrones'" sixth season premiere. Contributors to Omaze's fundraising campaign can also will special prizes like signed posters and replicas of swords use by the cast while filming "Game of Thrones." The goal is to raise $1 million.
"We are currently facing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II, David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said. "Our partnership with HBO and Game of Thrones-which premiered around the same time the war in Syria began-hopes to galvanize the general public to take action and rise up for the refugees."
You can watch the full PSA, which is starting the hashtag #RealmtotheRescue to help spread awareness, below. If you'd like to read more about the campaign, click here.
"Game of Thrones" will return to HBO on April 24.
For more, follow Brandon Katz on Twitter: @Great_Katzby
