Red Cross Responds To Horn Of Africa Emergency

NEWS RELEASE

19 December 2008

New Zealand Red Cross Responds To Help Over 20 Million People In The Horn Of Africa

As millions of vulnerable people across the Horn of Africa face a life threatening battle for food, New Zealand Red Cross has committed $30,000 to assist with relief operations.

A recent report from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the Federation) indicates that over 20 million people across Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are living on the margins of survival due to complex cocktail of drought, conflict, displacement and poverty. .

As a result of the report’s findings, the Federation has launched an urgent appeal to raise over $178 million to offer immediate assistance to those likely to be affected.

New Zealand Red Cross has responded by pledging $30,000 to the Federation’s appeal. The money will assist with immediate food relief and also help fund projects that will develop improved food security.

New Zealand Red Cross’ International Operations Manager Andrew McKie says that if action is not taken now, the dire situation facing millions of individual, families and whole communities will worsen.

New Zealand Red Cross is accepting public donations to the Federation’s Horn of Africa Appeal via our website www.redcross.org.nz. As with all New Zealand Red Cross special appeals, all monies donated will go directly to where they are intended.

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