04 February 2008
Appeal for funds for Kenya crisis
The Methodist Church and Methodist Relief and Development
Fund (MRDF) have confirmed the initial amounts of financial aid
they are sending to Kenya to support those suffering as a result of
the ongoing conflict.
MRDF is sending £6,300 directly to local partner RCDG, based in
Nairobi's Kibera slum district, one of the areas worst affected by
the post-election violence.
Samantha Tuck, East Africa Programme Officer at MRDF, explains "A
major concern is that those on anti-retroviral treatment for HIV
can't get to clinics for drugs. They have to take those drugs with
food, but cannot get that either. RCDG is ideally placed to deliver
direct assistance to some of the most vulnerable and seriously
affected people. With an MRDF humanitarian grant they will get
medical care, food and bedding to 200 members of the community. We
are pleased to have their help in channelling funds straight to
where they are most needed."
Further MRDF response will be made through ACT International,
which is providing survival essentials for displaced people living
in camps.
The Methodist Church in Kenya has called for £25,000 to help them
support those suffering because of the widespread violence. The
Methodist Church in Britain is sending £10,000 straight away, but
is appealing for donations to cover the remaining need.
Kevin Fray, World Church Africa Secretary, says; "The situation in
Kenya is very hard to comprehend, but what we do know is that
people are in desperate need of shelter and aid. At the moment, the
best support we in Britain can offer is through our prayers and
donations."
Donations to MRDF's appeal for RCDG and ACT International can be
made by credit card on 020 7224 4814, or by cheque, payable to
"MRDF (Kenya emergency)", posted to MRDF, Methodist Church House,
25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JR.
Donations to the Methodist Church's appeal for the Methodist
Church in Kenya can be made at
http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentoworld.content&cmid=1493.
Taxpayers are encouraged to Gift Aid their donations where
possible, adding a value of 28p on to every pound they give, at no
extra personal cost.