Hi Everyone,

As many of you know, I work for the American Refugee Committee (ARC).  ARC works with refugees, displaced people and host communities in eight different countries.  ARC's mission is to help people survive conflict and crisis and rebuild lives of dignity, health, security and self-sufficiency.  (see www.arcrelief.org for more info)

Currently, ARC is responding to the famine in Somalia and I have committed to raising $1,000 to the cause.  I recently returned from Kenya and Somalia where I conducted an assessment to see where/how ARC could intervene.  I met with Somali refugees in Kenya, displaced populations in Somalia, and host community members in both countries.  I can tell you that the situation is dire. 

ARC has already stepped in and is providing life saving services for these individuals through working on small scale projects that benefit thousands.  And currently, it's our private donations that are driving these efforts.  I am, therefore, coming to you and asking for $2 dollar donations.  People are certainly welcome to give more, but I am looking for just $2 with the hopes that I will get at least 500 people to donate.

Some statistics for you:

This is the worst drought in the last 70 years

Infant and maternal mortality rates are among the world’s highest with one in seven children dying before the age of five

Less than 30 per cent of the country has access to safe, clean water

Over 650,000 Somalis have fled to neighboring countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti

An estimated 1.5 million Somalis are internally displaced

Any support is appreciated.

Thanks!

Paul