MRDF: African Food Crisis Appeal

 NEWS RELEASE 

6 July 2011 - updated 15 December 2011

Although MRDF launched their appeal in July 2011 the need for emergency funds to support people facing drought and hunger is still urgent.

The crisis is currently most severe in east Africa, where communities are experiencing the worst drought for 60 years. More than 10 million people are thought to be affected across the region, with Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia hardest hit. Two successive failed rainy seasons have meant lost harvests and the decimation of livestock. Soaring food prices have exacerbated the situation, leaving many people hungry and unable to meet their basic needs.

Donations to MRDF’s appeal will provide life-saving supplies of food and water to those in need across the region. Working through MRDF’s emergency partner network, the ACT Alliance, support will be targeted at the most vulnerable groups, in particular children, the elderly and nursing mothers.

The appeal will also aid relief efforts in the Dadaab refugee camp on the Somalia Kenya border, which is experiencing a massive increase in the number of new arrivals each day as people leave their homes in search of food.

In addition to meeting immediate needs, the appeal will support projects which aim to provide vulnerable communities across sub-Saharan Africa with food security in the longer term. These include a food crisis fund for Mali, which faces chronic and recurring food shortages. Through the fund, MRDF’s local partners will be able to provide seed banks, water pumps, and training in vegetable growing as well as food relief to those in need.

Donations to the appeal can be made online, by phone and by post:
• Give securely online at www.mrdf.org.uk
• Call MRDF’s donations hotline on 020 7224 4814
• Send a cheque payable to ‘MRDF (Africa food crisis appeal)’ to MRDF, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR
• To give £5 now, text ‘MRDF11 £5’ to 70070 (standard network charges apply)

Taxpayers are encouraged to gift aid their donations where possible, adding 25p to every pound they give at no extra personal cost. To order gift aid envelopes for a collection, call 020 7467 5132 or email mrdf@methodistchurch.org.uk

NOTES:
1. For more information on MRDF’s ongoing response to the Africa food crisis visit www.mrdf.org.uk

2. The Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) makes small miracles possible for people living in the world’s poorest communities through long-term development, emergency relief and campaigning against the causes of poverty. MRDF works in partnership with local organisations in 22 of the world’s poorest countries, helping individuals and communities to transform their lives and become more self-sufficient. MRDF’s partner organisations work with people on the basis of greatest need, not religion or race. For more information, visit www.mrdf.org.uk.

3. For more information, contact:
Simeon Mitchell
Methodist Relief and Development Fund
25 Marylebone Road
London NW1 5JR
Tel: 020 7467 3794
Fax: 020 7467 5233
Email: mitchells@methodistchurch.org.uk