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NEWS RELEASE From the National Office of the ELCIC

ELCIC members encouraged to support 'Stop Famine Together' appeal

Winnipeg, 29 May 2017 - More than 20 million people in South Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and Nigeria are facing a food crisis and in need of urgent humanitarian aid. In addition, the countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, are facing their own hunger crises or are feeling the effects from their neighbours.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), through its partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), calls on its members to respond through prayer and financial support to help meet the needs of drought-affected people through the promotion of climate resilient food production.  In Ethiopia, CLWR is supporting small-scale farmers and pastoralists by constructing irrigation systems to improve food production. CLWR is developing a project in Uganda to meet the food and nutrition needs of South Sudanese refugees who are experiencing malnutrition.

Today, the Government of Canada announced that for every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities between March 17 and June 30, 2017, it will contribute an equivalent amount to the Famine Relief Fund.  Please send your desigated donations directly to CLWR in order to meet the deadline for fund matching.

Canadian Lutheran World Relief, 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0W5 or you can donate by calling CLWR at 1-800-661-2597to donate by credit card, or go online at http://clwr.donorshops.com/product/9E06FCE/stopfaminetogether.php

The Humanitarian Coalition, a national coalition comprised of seven agencies that are responding to the food crisis—of which CLWR is a member—has launched a joint fundraising campaign: “Stop Famine Together.” We invite your support for our response to the food crisis. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the food crisis,” says Rev. Susan C. Johnson, ELCIC National Bishop. “I have visited some of these regions and have seen first hand the devastating effects of the lack of rain, land erosion, and the scarcity of proper irrigation systems. It is important that we assist our sisters and brothers by responding generously to this appeal.”