Daily BrewEast Africa famine crisis: How to help
Update: The Government of Canada has created the East Africa Drought Relief Fund. Every dollar donated by Canadians to registered charities will be matched by the government and put into the fund. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will then allocate these funds to humanitarian organizations helping people most affected by the drought. The program is retroactive until July 6 and runs until Sept. 16.
The United Nations has declared a famine crisis in Somalia as the region experiences its worst drought in 60 years and staple food prices spiral upward.
Related: Photos from the crisis
Tens of thousands of people have already died from causes related to malnutrition and more than 10 million people are affected. The Canadian government has contributed $22 million in humanitarian assistance this year, but the UN says at least $300 million is needed over the next two months to stop the spread of famine.
Here is a list of aid agencies you can contact to contribute to drought relief.
Canadian Red Cross: Call toll free at 1-800-418-1111 or visit the web page for donation options. Money raised will provide emergency relief to numerous countries in the region. Donate here.
UNICEF Canada: They are on the ground in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia to help children and families with expertise in nutrition, immunization, water and sanitation. Donate here.
The Humanitarian Coalition: This network of Canadian NGOs (CARE, Oxfam, Plan Canada and Save the Children) unites in cases of humanitarian crises. Call toll free at 1-800-464-9154 or go to their website to donate.
Doctors Without Borders/Medicins Sans Frontieres: They have worked in and around refugee camps in the region for 14 years. They estimate about 500 people arrive at the already overcrowded camps each day and upon arrival are receiving inadequate assistance.
Donate here.
World Vision Canada: World Vision has been fighting hunger in the Horn of Africa for many years. Donations will help provide food, clean water, agricultural support, health care and other vital assistance to children and families in need. Donate here.
UN World Food Programme: WPF is reaching out to people on the edge of survival, especially women and children, with food. They aim to reach six million in the coming months. Donate here.
(Getty Images)
