The head of World Vision Australia Tim Costello has issued a challenge this weekend to Australians to take advantage of the governments 'compassion and innovation' to match all donations to the Horn of Africa at a time with the crisis in the region is lurching further into crisis.
Rev Costello described the scene unfolding in East Africa as “increasingly desperate”.
The Federal Government this week announced its Horn of Africa Dollar for Dollar initiative in which every dollar individual Australians given to aid agencies to respond to the crisis, the government will match during October and November.
While the government had capped the program at $10 million, when he announced the initiative this week, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said the government would extend to scheme to match “however much is raised”.
"I have just returned from the Horn of Africa to witness this disaster unfolding and I am preparing to go back, it is increasingly desperate. Today there are 750,000 people at death's door and 3.3 million people need immediate life saving assistance in Somalia," Rev Costello said.
"The overall number of people affected by the drought and food crisis in the Horn is 13.3 million and now thanks to this program Australians have an opportunity to ensure every dollar they give to help will double and provide aid to twice as many people."
World Vision has been responding to the emergency since February this year and has so far assisted 1.38 million people in the most affected countries of Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Tanzania.
"This is a unique opportunity to take advantage of an innovative and compassionate initiative that will save lives," Rev Costello said.
If Australians would like to donate to World Vision Australia’s East Africa Emergency Appeal they can call 13 32 40 or visit www.worldvision.com.au.
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To arrange interviews with Tim Costello, please contact World Vision Australia media officer Sacha Myers on 0457 926 018.