Emergency collection for famine stricken countries

A special collection will be taken up in Catholic parishes on P.E.I. this weekend for relief in four drought stricken countries — South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is endorsing Development and Peace — Caritas Canada’s emergency cross-Canada appeal for the famine victims. The federal government will match donations dollar for dollar until June 30.

This crisis puts 20 million people at risk of death, as climate-related droughts and conflicts continue to bar people from access to food and transportation in the four affected countries. Development and Peace — Caritas Canada is already active in these countries, working closely with their local partners who are responding to the needs of the most vulnerable and at-risk populations.

In Somalia, where 6.2 million people are in need, Development and Peace is delivering immediate food aid to drought affected areas, immunizing children, and monitoring and treating children. In Northeastern Nigeria, the organization is working with Caritas Nigeria partners, where 8.5 million people are in need, including 1.9 million displaced by Boko Haram, the terrorist organization. Displaced persons and children with severe malnutrition are receiving access to nutritional aid, means of subsistence, water, sanitation and health care.

In South Sudan there are 1.9 million displaced persons and 1.74 million refugees in neighbouring countries; 86 per cent are women and children. Development and Peace is providing food, access to clean water and sanitation facilities and some housing security. In Yemen, one of the world’s poorest countries with a population of 18.8 million, 70 per cent of the population is in need and 6.8 million of them are experiencing severe food insecurity. Development and Peace is working with CAFOD the English Catholic Bishops Agency for Overseas Development to provide health and nutrition services, humanitarian food aid, water and sanitation. The work of Development and Peace and many humanitarian agencies needs to expand in these four countries as it currently covers only a small percentage of the populations. Donations made to Development and Peace — Caritas Canada, should be earmarked “for famine relief.“

Mary Boyd, chairwoman of the Diocesan Council of Development and Peace, reminds Islanders of the very short time to receive matching dollars that will double any donations. She urges Islanders to give generously to enable the development and relief organization to expand its humanitarian work. Development and Peace — Caritas Canada’s full report on this emergency can be found at www.devp.org/en/faminerelief-fund.

People can donate directly by phoning: 1-888-234-8533, toll-free or 514-257-8711. For more information contact Boyd at 902-892-9074.