Kids’ authors Robin Stevenson and Sarah Harvey are calling on Canadian writers, illustrators, and publishers to donate to Doctors Without Borders and its efforts to assist Syrian refugees.

Stevenson and Harvey were inspired by a similar campaign led by U.K. author Patrick Ness, which, in less than 24 hours, saw writers such as John Green and JoJo Moyes donate more than £200,000 to Save the Children.

“I think many people have been feeling helpless about the refugee crisis and have been wanting to do something,” says Stevenson.

In less than 48 hours after posting their request on the philanthropy website Canada Helps, Stevenson and Harvey’s request had already garnered more than $10,000, which inspired them to set a new goal of $20,000 by Thanksgiving (they’re currently at more than $16,000). The list of donors reads like a who’s who of Canadian kidlit, including author Kenneth Oppel, who gave $5,000, and Stevenson and Harvey’s publisher, Orca Book Publishers, which gave $1,000.

“Every time I look at the list of people who have donated – and I look quite often – I get tears in my eyes,” says Harvey. “So proud to be part of a community of caring, committed, talented people.”

Stevenson says, “I actually cried when I saw Kenneth Oppel’s tweet offering to match the first $5,000 of donations, and I’ve been equally moved by the people who have sent supportive emails saying that they’re running on empty but they’ll be able to donate something in a few days time. Canadian children’s writers and illustrators are far from a wealthy group, but they are a very generous and compassionate one, and I feel very lucky to be a part of this community.”