IF you’re in the mood to clear out the clutter, you could also help a good cause at the same time.
Oxfam is calling on the people of Huddersfield to donate their unwanted goods for their biggest ever appeal in Africa.
The call comes in response to a massive food crisis facing more than 12 million people across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. The agency needs £50 million to reach three million people in dire need of clean water, food and basic sanitation.
“This is the worst food crisis of the 21st Century and we are seriously concerned that large numbers of lives could soon be lost,” said Jane Cocking, Oxfam’s Humanitarian Director.
“Two successive poor rains, entrenched poverty and lack of investment in affected areas have pushed 12 million people into a fight for survival. People have already lost virtually everything and the crisis is only going to get worse over the coming months – we need funds to help us reach people with life-saving food and water.”
The epicentre of the drought has hit the poorest people in the region in an area straddling the borders of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia where families rely heavily on livestock for survival. In some parts of the region, up to 60 percent of their herds have already died while the remainder are either sick or dangerously underweight. The price of animals has plummeted while the cost of cereals has soared. In Somalia the price of a main staple sorghum has risen 240% since last year.
To help, please drop your clean and saleable unwanted items to your local Oxfam shop. For details call 0300 200 1999.
