26 September 2008
Appeal for Zimbabwe as aid ban is lifted
As the ban on aid agencies operating in Zimbabwe is
lifted, the Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) is
supporting an appeal by ACT International that will deliver food
and agricultural support to some of the country's most vulnerable
people.
Over 2 million people were in need of urgent food supplies when
the Zimbabwean government ordered all aid agencies to suspend their
humanitarian and development work on June 4. The ban only worsened
an already desperate situation in a country with growing political
instability, 85% of the population out of work and inflation levels
that were spiralling out of control.
Amanda Norman, MRDF Supporter Relations Director, said: "We might
think that the financial situation in Britain is grim, but the
economic disaster faced by those in Zimbabwe puts things well and
truly into perspective. Millions of Zimbabweans have been caught up
in this complex humanitarian crisis and it's hard to know how to
even begin to make a difference. This appeal enables us to work
with others to alleviate some of the suffering in the short term,
and empower people to begin rebuilding their lives."
It is estimated that nearly 4 million people could go hungry in
October, with this number peaking at 5 million between January and
March 2009. Now that the ban has been lifted, many will now be able
to access much-needed food supplies.
The appeal through Action by Churches Together (ACT) will
distribute monthly food rations of maize, cooking oil and beans to
over 26,000 people in some of the most vulnerable communities.
Farmers will be able to rebuild their livelihoods thanks to the
provision of seeds, fertilisers and training in conservation
farming that will help them to guard against the impact of
drought.
Donations to MRDF's appeal for Zimbabwe can be made by debit or
credit card on 020 7224 4814, or by cheque, payable to "MRDF
(Zimbabwe emergency)", posted to MRDF, Methodist Church House, 25
Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR.
Taxpayers are encouraged to gift aid their donations where
possible, adding a value of 28p to every pound they give, at no
extra personal cost.