Fundraising event to benefit Somalia famine victims

August 25, 2011

University Relations

There will be a fundraiser on campus for the victims of famine in Somalia 5 – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 outside of the Wood Center on the north side of the building. A promotional flier (pdf) about the event is available.

The event is sponsored by the UAF Muslim Student Association, the UAF African Student Association and the UAF Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity.

A note from Ataur Chowdhury:

The disastrous famine situation in Somalia is deteriorating at an increasing rate, and it is adding more to untold human suffering, unwanted deaths, and violent militants are on the rise.  About 2.5 million Somalis, victim of the worst drought in 60 years, are in dire need of food, shelter, and medicine in order to survive the current famine.  The United Nations has declared a famine in Somalia, a term reserved for only the most desperate food shortages.

Out of desperation, many malnourished Somalis are trekking a torturous journey upwards of three to four weeks in search of food, safety, and shelter at refugee camps.  The United Nations has estimated that 10 million people, many of whom are women and children, now face the prospect of starvation in Somalia, with reports of tens of thousands already dead. We now face a disaster worse in scale than the earthquake Haiti, or even the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. It is critical that the international community respond with food and medical supplies immediately.

Please show solidarity and come forward with an extended helping hand to help save the suffering humanity in Somalia. Donations go directly to the beneficiaries $1 = $1, and it will help 50,000 people in Somalia.