HOW TO HELP
Suggestions of ways to make a difference in the campaign to expedite the release of the hikers.
FUNDRAISER FOR JAILED HIKERS
Feb 27th


For almost seven months, three U.S. hikers have been detained in Iran. The wait is excruciating for their families. One of the hikers is from Minnesota, and friends and community members are rallying around his family.
A fundraiser at the American Legion in Le Center is part of the community’s fight to free the U.S. hikers. Bauer and the two other hikers have been held captive in Iran for 210 days. Bauer’s mother Cindy Hickey said, “No one’s been able to set eyes on Shane, Josh, or Sarah for over three months, so that’s concerning for us.” Bauer, Sarah Shourd, and Josh Fattal were detained on July 31, after apparently hiking into Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan. The Iranian Government accused the hikers of spying. Their families said it’s all a mistake. Shourd was working as an English teacher. Bauer was working as a freelance journalist. Fattal was in the area, visiting his two friends.
The “fundraiser fish dinner” at the American Legion is helping the families raise money for trips to the Middle East. Iran’s top human right’s official has recommended that they be allowed to visit the hikers in jail. The families are awaiting word to see if they’ll be granted visas to enter Iran.
Sarah Shourd’s mother flew in from California for the fundraiser, and believes the support is crucial. Shourd said, “It makes us feel really good, it keeps us going.” Friends say they’ll continue to support the hikers’ families until they’re freed.
LAGUNA EVENT VIDEO
Dec 24th
VIDEO FROM LAGUNA, CA EVENT: 10 DEC 2009:
Shon Meckfessel, the “Fourth” Hiker, Speaks in Laguna on December 10th:
In this video, Shon Meckfessel, gives an impromptu talk about what happened on that fateful hike, in which his friends were taken into custody by the Iranian authorities. It is prefaced by a brief update on the hikers by Sarah Shourd’s mother, Nora.
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PEACE 1:33 PM
Oct 22nd
SET YOUR WATCH FOR PEACE 1:33
Days come and go quickly as we’re seeing with the beautiful display of fall colors. It is easy to get caught up in daily responsibilities and let family and friends fall from the forefront of our mind. Shane, Sarah, and Josh were taken on July 31st, 2009 at 1:33 pm and are still being held in Iran. Keeping them on the forefront of our minds is one of the most important actions we can take. Action is created by thought. It is this universal truth that has inspired Peace 1:33. The purpose is to hold the vibration of peace and positive energy for Shane, Sarah, and Josh by focusing on and feeling peace for 1 minute or more each day at 1:33 PM.
Set a daily alarm on your cell phone for 1:33 PM. Spend one minute thinking/meditation on peace in honor of Shane, Sarah, and Josh and continue with the daily commitment. If you have access to a bell, ring it three times in honor of each hiker.
Spread the word! Send e-mails to your friends, join Free the Hikers on Facebook, and invite friends. Ask your church or school to participate by ringing their bell three times each day at 1:33 PM.
Thank you…
Sincerely,
Nicole Bauer Lindstrom (sister of hiker, Shane Bauer)
DANCE PARTY BENEFIT
Sep 29th
ALL YOU GREAT PEOPLE! Come out and dance to help raise much needed funds for the organizing efforts for Sarah, Shane and Josh! | |
BENEFIT DETAILS:
LIVE MUSIC: 7PM to 9PM
DANCE PARTY: 9PM to Late
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you’re interested helping out with planning or volunteering at the event, please get in touch with: Jen Miller (friendsofhikers@gmail.com) | |
DETAINED HIKERS GET DULUTH SUPPORT
Sep 29th
REPRINTED FROM WDIO IN DELUTH:


Three American hikers, detained in Iran For nearly two months are gaining support in Duluth. One of those hikers, Shane Bauer, Is from Pine City. WDIO spoke with his family Sunday at a fundraising event.
Shane’s brother-in-law, Nate Lindstrom, was the planner behind the fundraiser at The Spiritual Deli, but he said it was definitely a community effort. Lindstrom said he hasn’t heard from his brother-in-law since he was captured July 31st.
Today’s fundraiser included food, live music and a silent auction. Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal Are the other two hikers detained. All proceeds will go to the three families and the costs of getting the hikers home.




