18 April 2008
MRDF responds to crisis in Zimbabwe
In the face of growing political instability and desperate
food shortages in Zimbabwe, The Methodist Relief and Development
Fund (MRDF) is supporting an appeal through ACT International
(Action by Churches Together) that will distribute emergency food
supplies to vulnerable households.
Over 4 million people need food immediately. Reports from Zimbabwe
paint a picture of desperation, with some families cooking leaves
they had previously considered poisonous. Although they have found
ways of draining them that make them safer, people are still
getting sick. The current crisis has been worsened by Zimbabwe's
growing HIV/AIDS problem and inflation levels that are spiralling
out of control - currently the highest in the world.
As well as distributing food, the MRDF appeal, through ACT
International, will also provide home-based care kits for those
looking after people with HIV/AIDS, supplementary vitamins for
those with HIV/AIDS and support and counselling for AIDS orphans,
who often face malnutrition because of lack of food, illness and
stigma. People who have lost their livelihoods will be given small
livestock for food and to help generate incomes.
Kirsty Smith, MRDF Director, said: "The crisis in Zimbabwe has
left millions of people without the means to feed themselves. By
supporting this appeal, we hope to alleviate some of the suffering
and give them a way of generating income in the future."
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.
Notes:
1. MRDF makes small miracles possible for people living in the
world's poorest communities. For more information, visit www.mrdf.org.uk
2. For more information, contact Audrey Skervin on 020 7467 5155
or email skervina@methodistchurch.org.uk.