Gift of the Givers needs help for Somalia

Brand South Africa is encouraging all citizens to play their part in aiding Somalia through The Gift of the Givers Foundation, which has started distributing high-energy nutrition packages to the region, which faces the worst drought in 60 years.

The UN has officially declared a famine in Somalia where nearly half of the Somali population is now estimated to be in crisis.

An announcement by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) was made for citizens to play their part in assisting the nation of Somalia with food. International Relations Deputy Minister, Marius Fransman, said they would do everything to help alleviate the situation and that South Africa will be providing financial and non-financial support, in the range of R1 million and more.

Gift of the Givers has team on the ground in Mogadishu, has set up an office in an ex-Minister's house, which has warehousing facilities, has identified several camps where the medical teams and supplies have to be used and is also in negotiations with the different parties to ensure safe and effective passage of the teams and supplies.

Its fourth mercy flight leaves today, Monday 8 August 2011.

Go to www.giftofthegivers.org/ for more information on how you can assist.