Australian Government to match East Africa donations

School children watch a delivery of maize to their Primary School in Kenya.

Plan has welcomed the Australian Government's announcement that it will match public donations to the East Africa food crisis for eight weeks from today.

Every dollar matched

Donations by the public to approved Australian NGOs working in the Horn of Africa will be doubled by the Australian Government until November 30.

"This is a fantastic and generous move by the Australian Government," said our Acting Chief Executive Ben Holgate. "The outcome of this initiative is simple – thousands more lives will be saved.

"Any money donated to Plan’s East Africa Drought Appeal during this period and matched by the Government will be a vital contribution to our ongoing life-saving work in Kenya and Ethiopia, benefitting thousands of vulnerable children and their families."

"More than 13 million people across the Horn of Africa need urgent humanitarian aid, and unprecedented numbers of people are leaving their homes in search of food and water, putting pressure on neighbouring countries.

"This situation is being made worse by life-threatening cholera and measles outbreaks in the region.

Children a priority

"In any emergency situation, children are the most vulnerable," said Mr Holgate. "Plan prioritises the protection and wellbeing of children, ensuring that aid is provided to those most in need."

Today’s announcement comes on top of the Government’s previous commitment of $128 million to the crisis. Plan received $800,000 that is being used to support 75,000 people in Ethiopia with urgent food and water, sanitation and hygiene work, and helping communities to rebuild and grow their own food.

This is on top of donations of $600,000 from the Australian public that have helped us to reach more than half a million people in Kenya and Ethiopia with emergency food and water, hygiene and sanitation work to prevent the spread of disease, health education and training about protecting vulnerable children in such situations.

"Much of the media emphasis has been on refugee camps," said Mr Holgate. "While this is important, Plan’s work in the Horn of Africa is helping families so they don’t need to leave their homes and communities in search of food and water, and in keeping children at school, so it is easier to continue their lives once this crisis is over."

You can help

You can double your donation by contributing online to our East Africa Drought Appeal – Children in Crisis or by calling 13 75 26.

Plan has been working in Kenya and Ethiopia for many years. We work with local partners who know the communities and the culture, ensuring safety and security in all our work.

For more information or to speak to Ben Holgate, contact:

David Cook
Media Officer
Plan International Australia
Mobile: 0448 816 900
David.cook@plan.org.au

Sarah Finney
Senior PR & Publicity Advisor
Plan International Australia
Mobile: 0400 197 558
Sarah.finney@plan.org.au