July
15, 2003
Over
a Quarter of a Million Dollars Collected for Drought Victims
The drought
in Eritrea continues to be a serious obstacle for its people
as the country fights the effects of what has been called
the worst drought in its history. Although an international
appeal was made to help cope with the current crisis, donations
received so far are not enough to help accommodate over
a million of our people facing acute malnutrition. As a
result, the shortage of food continues to be a major concern
for a significant number of Eritreans awaiting food aid.
According to the latest WFP report, only about half of the
appeal for Eritrea of US $100 million has been met so far.
The report also states that the next few weeks will be critical
as the seasonal 'hunger gap', the period when people urgently
require food assistance, is fast approaching.
The Emergency Drought Relief
Committee (EDRC) was formed in November 2002 to address
this crisis and help alleviate the suffering of over a million
of our people who unfortunately find themselves caught in
the jaws of a merciless famine. To this end, EDRC has collected
so far a sum of US $261,096 with more donations coming in.
Besides the many generous individual donations, the total
comprises of contributions collected through recent fund-raising
activities by DC area Eritrean organizations.
EDRC thanks everyone on
behalf of its committee and the Eritrean people and extends
its deep gratitude to all individuals, groups, and organizations
that have responded to this cause with an open heart. We
would like to remind those that have not donated yet that
it is still not too late. Your contribution, no matter how
small, will make a difference in saving the lives of fellow
Eritreans. As we all struggle to put off the hunger our
people are facing, it is our firm belief that if we join
hands and stand together, we can save our people from the
unfortunate situation that has befallen them.
EDRC will continue to keep
the public updated on its activities through its website
and other media outlets. For more information, please visit
http://www.dehai.org/edrc
Together We Can Stop the
Hunger!
The Emergency Drought Relief
Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.
