Dollar-For-Dollar initiative boosts donations for African crisis

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Australians are responding to the continued dire situation in East Africa, giving about $200,000 in less than a week since the Federal Government’s offer to match private giving.

The severity of the crisis has sparked responses from all over Australia, including more than $10,000 from the African Association of Central Australia, a group of African-born migrants who brought together more than 600 people in Alice Springs for a fundraising event.

Abraham Adebisi, chairman of the Association, said the event was held held last month to support those across Somalia and parts of Kenya and Ethiopia - more than 13 million people – whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated by the drought.

"Our Association was keen to respond to this situation, and we are glad that the Federal Government's dollar-matching scheme means that more than $20,000 will be sent on our behalf for life-saving aid and longer-term assistance in this region."

The additional Government funds will mean World Vision has almost $4 million available to deliver urgent assistance to affected families in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and northern Tanzania.

World Vision chief executive Tim Costello said Australian's were responding to ensure families, and especially children, got a 'fair go' at having a future.

Rev Costello thanked Australians who have reached into their pockets for others despite the economic turbulence, and urged others to take advantage of the Government’s “innovative and compassionate initiative that will save lives”.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd last week announced a Horn of Africa Dollar for Dollar initiative in which every dollar donated by individuals towards the drought crisis in East Africa until the end of November will be matched by the Australian Government.

"Having just returned from the Horn of Africa where I saw first-hand the unfolding of this disaster, 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.

If Australians would like to donate to World Vision Australia’s East Africa Emergency Appeal they can call 13 32 40 or visitwww.worldvision.com.au.

Ends

To arrange interviews with Tim Costello, please contact World Vision Australia Head of Public Affairs Martin Thomas on 0400 454 695.

Media Releases, Emergencies, Africa, Australian Government, East Africa, Foreign Aid, Kevin Rudd, Philanthropy, Tim Costello

Back to all Results