Parishes fighting famine

Ottawa will match donations

Catholic parishes in P.E.I. will take up a special collection this weekend to help relief efforts for famine and drought stricken countries.

The collection today and tomorrow is in aid of South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Nigeria, with the Canadian government matching donations dollar for dollar until June 30.

The fundraising effort was spearheaded by Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, and is an emergency crosscountry appeal for famine victims in those countries.

This group says 20 million people are at risk of death, as droughts and conflicts continue to bar people from access to food and transportation in the four affected countries.

In Somalia there are 6.2 million people are in need; 8.5 million in northeastern Nigeria, including 1.9 million displaced by terrorist organization Boko Haram; 1.9 million people have been displaced in South Sudan and there are 1.74 million refugees in neighbouring countries. In Yemen, 70 per cent of the population is in need and 6.8 million are experiencing severe food insecurity.

Mary Boyd, chairwoman of the Diocesan Council of Development and Peace, reminds Islanders that there is a short time remaining to receive matching dollars to double the donations.

Donations made to Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, should be earmarked “for famine relief,” and can be given directly by phone: 1-888-2348533, or 514-257-8711.