Scottish Government pledges £500,000 aid for Zambia

Red Cross emergency appeal funding

International Development Minister Christina McKelvie has pledged £500,000 to help contain a deadly cholera outbreak in Zambia.

The funding comes in response to an emergency appeal from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (IFRC) for funding to support measures including contact tracing, vaccination and the supply of safe drinking water.

As of 27 January, 14,900 confirmed cases and 560 deaths have been recorded as a result of the outbreak, with all 10 of Zambia’s provinces reporting cases.

The IFRC reports this rapid escalation has put a strain on local health services and schools throughout the country have been closed in attempt to stop further spread of the disease.

International Development Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The next few weeks will be crucial to prevent this severe and rapidly growing cholera epidemic from escalating further.

“Particularly ahead of Zambia’s rainy season, as the majority of vulnerable communities have no access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which are essential to prevent the spread of cholera.

“This funding reflects the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure Scotland fulfils its role as a good global citizen through international development and humanitarian work, as well as our longstanding partnership with Zambia.”

Rob Murray, Director for Scotland, British Red Cross, said: “Volunteers and staff from the Zambian Red Cross Society are leading the response to the cholera outbreak in the country, alongside the Zambia Ministry of Health, and this funding will help to carry out vital training for volunteers who will be at the forefront of the response in the affected communities.

“Speed is critical in dealing with an outbreak such as this therefore we are extremely grateful for the swift response and leadership the Scottish Government has shown in providing these funds.”

Cholera outbreak spirals in Zambia: IFRC launches urgent CHF 4 million appeal | IFRC

Craigievar House Fire: Emergency Appeal

Can you help the residents affected by this local disaster?

Corstorphine Community Centre is a drop off point for the following items:

Toiletries, and toothpaste/ brushes, deodorants, hair brushes/ combs & sunscreen

New underwear & clothing for adults and children.

Footwear for adults and children.

Toys, teddies and games for children.

Non perishable food items

Can you support this appeal by volunteering to sort and distribute these items?

We are available to receive and give out these items

Friday 16th 10-5pm

Saturday 17th 10-3pm

Drop off and collections at Corstorphine Community Corstorphine Community Centre5 Kirk Loan (opposite Astoria Centre / Winstons)

Thank you

CCC

Mary’s Meals launches emergency appeal to help vulnerable children in Syria

Mary’s Meals is helping communities affected by this week’s devastating earthquakes

MARY’S Meals have launched an emergency appeal to deliver much-needed food aid to children in Syria, following two earthquakes on Monday, 6 February. 

We have been  working in the city of Aleppo since 2017. With our local partner Dorcas, we usually serve nutritious meals to children at school – many of whom are experiencing trauma caused by more than a decade of civil war.  

Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, says: “The updates we are receiving from our partner on the ground are simply heart-breaking. After more than a decade of civil war, Syria has been plunged into this new crisis. Many people have lost their loved ones and their homes, and they have very little access to food and shelter. They now face yet another a fight for survival. 

“Conditions in and around Aleppo are very difficult – roads have been destroyed, and our partner organisation has seen heavy damage to its buildings. Despite these challenges, we are already reaching many children with essential food supplies.” 

Mary’s Meals serve school meals in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of food attracts hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future.  

In addition to this important work, the charity provide effective, expert support through emergencies – including delivering food aid to thousands of people affected by Ebola in Liberia and supporting communities impacted by the earthquake in Haiti in 2021.  

Daniel continues: “With our partner, we are working around the clock to feed hungry children in Aleppo. But there’s so much more we can do to help the communities that have been devastated by these earthquakes – and we stand ready to expand our emergency response as funds allow. 

“Time and time again, we have seen people across the UK give generously to help those facing desperate and frightening situations. I urge you to give what you can today – no donation is too small – so that we can bring hope to the people of Aleppo.”

Please donate today if you can.

DONATE NOW

Help ELREC raise funds for Roningya

Dear friends,

Help us to raise funds for Rohingya.

Described as the world’s most persecuted people: 1.1 million Rohingya people live in Myanmar. The Myanmar government treats them as stateless people. Violence broke out in northern Rakhine state on 25 August, 2017, when militants attacked government forces. In response, security forces, supported by Buddhist militia launched a “clearance operation” that has killed at least 1,000 people and forced more than 500,000 to flee their homes. The UN has warned that Myanmar’s treatment of its Rohingya minority appears to be a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing”.

ELREC is raising funds to help the Rohingya people who are victims of the unimaginable massacre we have observed. ELREC has launched this urgent appeal to help children and adults. All the funds collected will go directly to Rohingya refugees.

Thousands of victims are in need of your help. Your support is urgently needed, no matter how big or small. Please donate now by clicking on this link: www.gofundme.com/ELREC4rohingya

Food for 1 family: £50; food for 2 families: £100; tube-well (to install and maintain) in refugee camp: £250; shelter, medical treatment and food for 1 family: £500.

Please register with the attached sheet to join our charity cycle ride (contact details below and attached). 

When: Sunday 5th November 2017 from 11pm

Where: Meeting at 11am in front of Scottish Parliament 1 Horse Wynd, EH99 1SP   

We will cycle along the Innocent Railway on cycle paths and cycle back to the Parliament. Please bring your own bike. If you don’t have a bike please let us know; we have a limited number to lend out that will need to be picked up beforehand.

Thank you in advance for your generous donations to help the Rohingya people.

For further information, please contact Jean-Matthieu: JGaunand@elrec.org.uk or phone 0131 556 0441.

Kind regards

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Chair, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council

 

 

Kind regards

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Chair
Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council