The UN reports that the
largest humanitarian crisis since the Second World War is unfolding in Africa.
Swiss Solidarity and its partner relief organizations has launched an appeal
for donations and 1m Swiss francs has already been raised. Today (11th March) Swiss
Solidarity and the Swiss Broadcasting Company (SRG SSR) has organised a major fundraising
24 hour campaign to help the victims of famine in Africa.
The national fundraising day
is being organized by Swiss Solidarity and the Swiss Broadcasting Company (SRG
SSR) and is supported by Swiss Solidarity’s partner relief organizations, an
association of private radio stations (‘Privatradios pro Glückskette’), and
other private media outlets. Numerous fundraising events have also been
organized by the public.
From 6am this morning until
midnight, more than 300 volunteers in four SRG SSR studios in Zurich, Chur,
Lugano and Geneva will receive donation pledges via telephone.
Swiss Solidarity's partner
relief organizations are already operating in Africa, but there is not enough
money to continue their work in helping the local population. In South Sudan,
where access to the worst hit regions is severely restricted, HEKS, Medair,
Caritas Switzerland, the Swiss Red Cross and Terre des hommes – helping
children worldwide are providing emergency relief to several thousand people,
distributing food, water and medical aid. In Somalia, where the situation has
deteriorated recently owing to a cholera epidemic, Save the Children, ADRA and
Medair are providing relief. In Nigeria, Save the Children is helping large
groups of refugees, using individual sums given by Swiss Solidarity.
Ways to make a donation:
Ways to make a donation:
- Online at www.swiss-solidarity.org
- Via your mobile with the Swiss Solidarity app
- With post office account 10-15000-6 (with the text “Famine”)
- With Swiss Solidarity payment also available at all post offices.
- On Twitter you can also raise money simply by retweeting #SwissSolidarityForAfrica with a photograph.
