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BISHOPS’ APPEAL LAUNCHES EAST AFRICA APPEAL
BISHOPS’ APPEAL LAUNCHES EAST AFRICA APPEAL
In an urgent response to the persistent drought in East Africa, the Church
of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal has announced that it is releasing €20,000
to fund the work of Christian Aid and their local partners who are responding
to the crisis on the ground in Kenya and Ethiopia. It also appeals for contributions
from parishes and individuals throughout Ireland to help with the disaster
relief efforts.
According to Christian Aid, the United Nations Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that the situation in East Africa is
the worst food security crisis in the world today. Some parts of the East
and the Horn of Africa are experiencing the driest conditions in 60 years.
Drought in the countries affected, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, has left
10 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
The funding released by Bishops’ Appeal will primarily be used for
the provision of emergency tanks and the distribution of water to villages
experiencing the worst of the drought conditions. The funds will also be
directed towards families who are not being reached by the World Food Programme.
Christian Aid is distributing food supplies to them with a special focus
on malnourished children and pregnant women. The funding will also be used
in the construction of extra water points to provide a longer term solution
to the lack of water in the targeted villages. Bishops’ Appeal recognizes
that in a time of crisis, everyone’s actions, from Parish collections
to immediate action at the point of need, are all necessary links in the
chain to deliver a successful and powerful response to alleviate the suffering
of others.
Parish and individual donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated at
this time. Dates for Parish responses can be chosen locally over the coming
weeks and proceeds sent to: Bishops’ Appeal, Church of Ireland House,
Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6.
For further information
Bishops’ Appeal Education Advisor, Lydia Monds lydia.monds@rcbdub.org
or Clogher Diocesan Representative ( Precentor Noel Regan ) or to the Press
Office: Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0) 87 948 4412
Church of Ireland Press Office; Church of Ireland House; 61-67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH
Tel: (028) 9082 8880 Fax (028) 9032 3554
Date: 14 July 2011