In response to the food crisis in Niger caused by a combination of a poor agricultural season in 2004, severe drought, and a massive locust invasion Rainbow World Fund (RWF) is launching a Niger Relief Campaign.
An estimated 3.6 million people are at risk of starvation, 800,000 of them children. Hundreds of thousands of Niger’s children are showing signs of severe malnutrition, according to RWF. Niger was struggling prior to the current crisis and the United Nations ranks Niger as the second poorest country in the world, with many people living on less than $100 a year.
The already fragile economy is at risk of collapsing. Many business and schools have already closed. The livestock have also been devastated.
RWF is partnered with Africare to help Niger. Africare is the oldest and largest African-American-based humanitarian aid organization. Africare was established 35 years ago in response to the 1970 Sahelian drought in Niger. Additional funds are needed to enable RWF-Africare efforts to reach more people before it is too late. ‘This unique partnership is bringing the LGBT and African American communities together in a powerful way to help heal the world,’ said Rainbow World Fund founder Jeff Cotter.
Since 2000 Rainbow World Fund’s mission has been to promote LGBT philanthropy in the area of world humanitarian relief. RWF provides a united voice, a large visible presence, and a structure to deliver LGBT charitable assistance to the larger world community. ‘RWF helps people in need by raising awareness and funds to support existing relief efforts around the world,’ said Cotter. RWF is based in San Francisco and is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit.
RWF is partnered on HIV/AIDS with Africare in South Africa; Landmines with Adopt-A-Minefield; Water with WaterPartners International, to increase safe drinking water access in Honduras; and Hunger with CARE to assist in Tsunami recovery in Asia and maternal health in Haiti.
Contact: Thomas Chupein (415) 335-3540, e-mail: tchupein@rainbowfund.org.