NZ Kids To Help Afghani Kids In Need

Media release 12 October, 2001

NZ Kids To Help Afghani Kids In Need

Two prominent New Zealand non-governmental organisations are encouraging children throughout the country to donate $1 to help the children of Afghanistan.

This has been prompted by a public address from President Bush in America today, where he asked all American children to do the same.

The Christian Children’s Fund (CCF), which is currently working with New York youths through its award-winning trauma programme, is also using its resources in partnership with Oxfam New Zealand to assist the needy children of Afghanistan.

CCF and Oxfam are asking schoolteachers to collect money on behalf of the nation’s children and forward the group cheques to their offices. Funds raised in New Zealand will be forwarded to the Oxfam aid team that is currently working along the borders of Afghanistan in Pakistan.

“Now more than ever, New Zealand NGOs need to work together using our expertise and resources to assist wherever we can. We don’t want to get involved in choosing sides, we just want to help children in the greatest need,” says CCF Communication Co-ordinator, Antica Soljan.

“Obviously we are unable to assist directly in Afghanistan at this time, however, we are working with Oxfam here in New Zealand to take donations for distributing aid along the Afghanistan border and surrounding areas” says Ms Soljan.

Oxfam is currently distributing food to approximately 750,000 people in Afghanistan while also preparing to supply water and sanitation for
500,000 refugees in camps along the Pakistan border.

“Afghanistan was already suffering from three years of drought leaving four million people dependant on food aid. People have now been forced to eat grass seeds, animal fodder and locusts because food is running out,” says Terri-Ann Scorer, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand.

"It's a race against time as winter approaches and Afghani civilians head towards the borders for fear of starvation and attack," says Ms Scorer.

“Oxfam New Zealand thanks CCF and its supporters for their generosity and assistance in this time of crisis.”

Funds raised by the American children will be used to buy food and medicine for the starving and malnourished children of Afghanistan.

CCF and Oxfam need support to implement their work in Afghanistan and wherever else the need may arise. If you would like to make a donation, please call CCF toll-free on 0800 223 100, or call the Oxfam Appeal Hotline on 0800 600 700 today. Alternatively, individual and group cheques can be posted to CCF, PO Box 105630, Auckland or Oxfam, PO Box 68357, Auckland. Please do not post cash.

ENDS

© Scoop Media