World Vision UK is calling on the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to act now and begins its relief efforts for the thousands of displaced families and take action to protect civilians and address the root causes of the crisis.
World Vision has just re-entered the Republic to begin assessing the relief needs of thousands of people displaced by fighting and the distribution of blankets, shelter materials, children’s clothing and soap. Plans to reach as many as 25,000 families as soon as security conditions allow are well under way, with health and sanitation also on the agenda.

World Vision worker, Michelle Rice, said -

‘If the security situation remains stable, we expect to expand distributions this week. The current ceasefire must be held by all sides if we are to respond to the humanitarian crisis here. Without some semblance of stability, relief efforts are extremely difficult.’

With thousands of people moving between various camps and their homes it is proving difficult for aid workers to access numbers, especially as many were already living in temporary shelters before the latest outbreak of fighting.

World Vision is urging UN peacekeepers in Congo to prioritize the protection of women and children who make up more than half of the 1.2 million displaced people. World Vision is also urging the international community to recommit financing the humanitarian response in Congo whilst strengthening the weakened aid infrastructure.

Help World Vision UK this Christmas with a Charity Gift

You can also help raise funds with the World Vision Alternative Gift scheme, giving you the chance to buy an unusual and thoughtful gift whilst also helping poor communities.
 
From as little as £14 you could provide 10 chicks to provide food and eggs for families in Sri Lanka, whilst for £45 you can purchase a Llama for a village in Bolivia!

You will also receive a greetings card with your fantastic gift, which is a great way to put something back into the world whilst also giving your friends and family a real conversation starter.

> > click here to purchase an Alternative Gift with World Vision UK

View Top Christmas Charity Gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the donation4charity blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.
After successfully starring the 2007 Poppy Appeal advertisements, Poppy Man is leading the campaign again in 2008 and helped to launch it from Basra. This year’s theme ‘Serving those who Serve’ emphasises the need to help men and women who are serving today, as well as ex-Services and their families.

Poppy Man is the embodiment of the Legion’s work. He stands for Help, Remembrance and Comradeship.

He will be making personal appearances all around the country, and you can keep track of his movements through his blog, which lets you send photos and videos straight from your mobile phone. A giant 5 metre tall Poppy Man has even been installed at Terminal 5 at Heathrow, though he has promised not to lose your luggage!

A new series of posters featuring him supporting people who have been helped by the Legion are appearing on billboards and Nationwide ATM machines around the country and on animated posters at tube stations all over London.

The British public holds great affection and respect for its Armed Forces. In 2008 over £88 million was spent carrying out our work among the serving and ex-Service community. This was largely funded by the kind donations and fundraising efforts of the general public.

The Poppy Appeal is your opportunity to show your support, so please give generously and wear your poppy with pride.

> > click here to make a donation to The Royal British Legion

> > click here to find out more about the work of The Royal British Legion

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the donation4charity blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."