The One World Centre is co-ordinating an emergency street collection around the Island this weekend (24th-26th March) following the launch of the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) appeal for East Africa.
The DEC, which coordinates aid between 13 member charities including the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Oxfam, is trying to help prevent a catastrophic humanitarian disaster for the people facing famine in East Africa.
In South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, drought and conflict have left millions of people in immediate need of food, water and medical treatment. More than 16 million people in the region do not know where their next meal will come from and children are at risk of dying from starvation.
DEC Chief Executive, Saleh Saeed, said: “Hunger on a massive scale is looming across East Africa. More than 800,000 children under five are severely malnourished. Without urgent treatment, they are at risk of starving to death.
“We are hearing that families are so desperate for food that they are resorting to eating leaves to survive. This is something no family should have to endure.
“Unless we act now the number of deaths will drastically increase. Don’t delay – please donate.”
DEC member charities are already on the ground delivering life-saving aid, such as food, treatment for malnutrition and clean drinking water. They are ready to scale-up their humanitarian support, but they urgently need more funding to reach the millions of people affected.
One World Centre Director Rosemary Clarke said: “Many people will have seen or heard the reports of the devasting impact famine is having on the East Africa region. Supporting the street collection is one way we can all do our bit to help and I am sure the people of the Isle of Man will demonstrate their generosity towards others in such a desperate situation.”
More volunteers are needed to help with the collection which will take place in Douglas, Ramsey, Peel, Castletown and Port Erin. Anyone who wishes to volunteer should call Rosemary Clarke on 322044 or email info@owciom.org.
