SIM Canada responds to Sahel needs, asks for Canadians to help

Long-term and short-term measures needed for aid

By Rob Horsley  |  Thursday, August 30, 2012

Photo courtesy of SIM Canada.

More than 18 million people in the Sahel region of West Africa are being affected by a food and nutrition crisis, coming as the result of a number of factors, including drought, rising food prices and displacement, among others.

"Right now, millions of women, men and children in the Sahel are suffering from hunger and severe malnutrition. This is absolutely unacceptable," says Julian Fantino, federal minister of international cooperation. "With generosity from Canadians, we can do more to respond to this crisis and support people in dire need."

One Canadian organization stepping up in response is SIM (Serving in Mission) Canada. Some projects include "investing time and resources into on-site research for sustainable agro-forestry farming systems appropriate to the region." The results of the research are then communicated to farmers in the region so as to limit the effects of famine in future scenarios.

Despite long-term preparations, SIM is still stressing the need for immediate, short-term response, particularly in the form of donations, which the Canadian government will match until September 30, on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

(SIM press release)

Donations can be made here. Choose project #69995 (Emergency Relief Project) to donate today.

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