Canadian Foodgrains Bank grain bags await distribution. Photo: PWS&D.
PWS&D is working in partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank to support the people of Eastern Africa as they suffer from the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years.
The World Food Program estimates at least 10 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Uganda and Sudan will now require food assistance following two years of prolonged drought. The lack of rains has damaged crops, dried up existing sources of water and led to higher grain prices.
Thousands of people are leaving their homes and walking for weeks toward refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia in hopes of receiving food rations. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres says the crisis has become the “worst humanitarian disaster in the world.”
As an initial response to this crisis situation, PWS&D is working with Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Canadian Lutheran World Relief in Ethiopia’s Goro district to provide 18,350 people with more than 1,900 tonnes of food, including wheat, beans, oil and famix, a supplementary food product. The program will distribute food freely to those in need and through food-for-work projects that aim to conserve the area’s natural resources.
You Can Help!
Please pray for the people of East African countries during this time of great need. Your financial support will ensure vulnerable people in Ethiopia receive life-saving food in order to survive this difficult time. You can make a donation through your church, mail a cheque to the office, donate online or call 1-800-619-7301 ext. 291. Please mark all donations as “East African Relief.”
PWS&D is a member of Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), a coalition of 15 church-based agencies responding to global hunger. Donations to this program are matched by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Presbyterian World Service & Development is the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Visit the PWS&D Facebook page.
