In the mid-80's severe drought hit Ethiopia. I was a young girl but I remember horrible images on the TV news. Many celebrities raised awareness and a benefit concert, Live Aid, was watched by approximately 1.9 billion people worldwide. Today, I read an article that stated, "Aid agencies are preparing for what will likely be the first official famine since 1984-85, when one million people died in Ethiopia and Sudan."
The Horn of Africa consists of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti. The drought is hitting Somalia, southern Ethiopia & Sudan and northern Kenya. "The forecast is bleak. August is expected to be dry. About 1,300 people a day are crossing the border from Somalia into Kenya, landing in ill-equipped, over-crowded refugee camps. The largest camp complex is now home to nearly 400,000 people."
So, what can WE do? It is simple, make a financial donation. I have been researching to find out who is helping directly with the refugee crisis. So far I have found, UNICEF, Doctors without Borders and World Concern. I hope to add to that list.
You may be asking, "How do I know my donation will make a difference?" A great website to check out is Charity Watch. They have a grading system. Both Doctors without Borders and World Concern were given "A's". UNICEF was not listed.
I know many Christians feel they need to donate to a "Christian" organization. If you feel that way, I would recommend World Concern. They have a high rating and they state that 94% of money donated will go directly to help with the relief. If you do not like to donate to religious organizations, I would recommend Doctors without Borders.
The Horn of Africa consists of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti. The drought is hitting Somalia, southern Ethiopia & Sudan and northern Kenya. "The forecast is bleak. August is expected to be dry. About 1,300 people a day are crossing the border from Somalia into Kenya, landing in ill-equipped, over-crowded refugee camps. The largest camp complex is now home to nearly 400,000 people."
So, what can WE do? It is simple, make a financial donation. I have been researching to find out who is helping directly with the refugee crisis. So far I have found, UNICEF, Doctors without Borders and World Concern. I hope to add to that list.
You may be asking, "How do I know my donation will make a difference?" A great website to check out is Charity Watch. They have a grading system. Both Doctors without Borders and World Concern were given "A's". UNICEF was not listed.
I know many Christians feel they need to donate to a "Christian" organization. If you feel that way, I would recommend World Concern. They have a high rating and they state that 94% of money donated will go directly to help with the relief. If you do not like to donate to religious organizations, I would recommend Doctors without Borders.
FOVC, the organization I support in Ethiopia, is not working directly with the crisis but they are providing for orphans and widows in southern Ethiopia. No doubt, this impending famine will hit FOVC and so continued support is needed and will make a difference.
UPDATE: WORLD VISION AND FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN ARE ALSO TAKING FINANCIAL DONATIONS THAT WILL DIRECTLY HELP THE DROUGHT CRISIS.
Please give TODAY!
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