8 July 2011

As millions face the threat of starvation in East Africa, Save the Children New Zealand has today launched an urgent appeal to raise funds for this crisis.

Peter Gitau, a Kenyan now living in New Zealand said the crisis meant that in his home country up to three million people were facing imminent starvation.

“If New Zealanders can help, I can guarantee New Zealanders that funds sent to Kenya really will save lives.

“The drought is particularly hard on mothers and children who so often seem to bear the brunt of these disasters.”

Peter Gitau who has worked in Kenya as a Save the Children volunteer, and who as a child was sponsored by New Zealanders through Save the Children, said the work being undertaken by the organisation was hugely important.

“New Zealand has a very special relationship with Kenya and I hope that Kiwis who can help will,” he said.

“I have been told by people working in Kenya that many children a week are dying because of this drought. The need for help is truly urgent.”

Save the Children New Zealand CEO LIZ Gibbs said the organisation was launching an urgent appeal to raise $250,000.

“So far thanks to the generosity of Kiwis we have already been able to put $25,000 into a fund to send to East Africa,” Liz Gibbs said.

“Save the Children is already working on the ground in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia to deliver water, food grants and health care.

“We are delivering emergency aid, but also working on long-term solutions to help the area,” Liz Gibbs said.

To donate to this urgent appeal please go to http://www.savethechildren.orgnz

ENDS

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