The One World Centre is co-ordinating an emergency street collection around the Island this weekend following the launch of the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) appeal for Yemen.

The appeal has been launched after 20 months of war has brought Yemen, already one of the poorest countries in the world, to breaking point. More than 7 million people in Yemen do not know where their next meal will come from and children are dying from malnutrition.

In the midst of conflict, DEC member charities are reaching millions of people across the country with lifesaving aid, such as food, treatment for malnutrition and cash, but much more needs to be done to reach those in dire need.

DEC Chief Executive, Saleh Saeed, said:

“Now is the time to save lives in Yemen before it is too late. Children face the greatest risk of starvation – almost half a million infants and young children need immediate treatment for malnutrition. DEC members are already providing treatment for malnutrition, running mobile health teams, distributing emergency food and cash but they need funds to reach more people.”

DEC member charities, including the Red Cross, CARE International, Islamic Relief, Oxfam and Save the Children are already working across the whole country. Others, such as Christian Aid and Tearfund, are supporting activities of partner charities responding to the crisis.

One World Centre Director Rosemary Clarke added:

“The people of the Isle of Man have always been very generous in supporting previous DEC appeals and we hope people will feel able to contribute to this lifesaving humanitarian aid for those who are facing a desperate situation this Christmas.”

One World Centre volunteers will be collecting in Douglas, Ramsey, Peel, Castletown and Port Erin. Anyone who wishes to help volunteer should call Rosemary Clarke, Director of the One World Centre, on 322044 or email info@owciom.org.