Join Susan In Helping With The Somalia Crisis
- Photo by AP/Rebecca Blackwell
I am horrified about the humanitarian catastrophe that is getting worse by the minute in southern Somalia. After watching an MSNBC interview with Somali-born supermodel, Iman, (see interview below) I knew that I had to do something. Iman explained what is happening in that region in a clear and concise way, sharing her reasons for supporting SaveTheChildren.org. At that moment I realized the best way for me to help was to make a donation. Here are some of the startling statistics about this crisis:
1. For months, aid agencies have warned about the devastating drought in the Horn of Africa and its potential for causing famine.
2. To be declared a famine, which the United Nations did last week, 2 out of 10,000 people have to die daily — which MEANS THAT 1,500 PEOPLE ARE DYING DAILY.
3. By waiting for an official declaration of “famine,” the international community ends up responding too late, resulting in more deaths.
4. There are more than 10 million people — with 1 million of them children — at risk on a daily basis.
5. This is being called a “children’s famine” since so many children are dying and more than half of the child population is malnourished.
6. Some mothers are forced to leave their sickest child by the road to die alone so they can push on to save their stronger children.
7. During the 1992 famine, 200,000 people died. This crisis is twice as bad.
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These statistics are hard to fathom and it makes my heart sad. As a mother, I cannot imagine having to leave my sick child on the side of the road to die alone for any reason. Women and, especially, 
children are the most affected by this disaster. As Iman pointed out, these malnourished children will need long term help. A few meals will not solve the problem.
I cannot fly to Somalia to help and I recognize that donating money is the best way to help with this humanitarian crisis. I encourage all of our readers to consider making a monetary donation, no matter how big or small. I chose to donate to Save the Children because, according to Iman, 95 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to actually saving the children, but there are other organizations helping with this disaster as well. Research them before you donate, to make sure the money is going where you want it to go.
International Rescue Committee
You can make a difference.
Thank you Susan! I too have been so sad and horrified watching the news stories and I have been researching places to donate to make sure that FOOD GETS TO THESE PEOPLE!! What is really sad is that this has been going on for YEARS and the rest of the world is finally, now, trying to help! I guess better late than never!!
Thanks again for rallying us!
iI felt compelled to sponsor a child and I have already sent her an email. thank you for caring and opening your heart…it’s contagious!
namaste,
Pat
I want to do more than send money. I’ll do that, but isn’t there something else we can do?
I do not know about all the agencies, but the Red Cross has huge administrative fees. I would elect one of the others listed. I doubt 95 cents of your dollar would reach this just cause.
I just read your posts on this horrible tragedy today – I guess originally I felt it’s just too overwhelming to consider – my bad. We ALL need to step up and do something – sign the petition at One.org and donate – Save the Children is a good charity. You can look up any charity at charitynavigator.org – it’s a great place to check up on where your money is going. The basic human right to have food to eat – I’m sick that this is an issue anywhere.