Celebrate Somalia and Help Save a Child's Life

Wellington's Somali community is inviting Wellingtonians to join them at a special event in November to raise funds for UNICEF's Africa Food Crisis Appeal. Celebrating Somali culture, the event will provide Wellingtonians an opportunity to come together to support the local Somali community. The local Somali community is desperate to help their homeland left crippled by the worst drought in 60 years, causing mass child malnutrition. Right now, a child in Somalia is dying every six minutes.

The impact of this disaster on Wellington's local Somali community is significant. There are around 1,500 Somali refugees living in Wellington with close relatives (parents, siblings and children) still remaining in parts of Somalia and in refugee camps, the hardest hit by the famine.

Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director at UNICEF NZ said, "We are very grateful for the efforts of the Somali community and encourage Wellingtonians to attend this special event to show their support. "Kiwis have been incredibly generous and I can confirm that donations are being incredibly well spent and in many cases are literally saving lives. With support from people in New Zealand like the Somali community, we are able to continue to make a real difference in the lives of children."

The drought in East Africa might seem too huge for us to be able to make a difference, but small amounts of money do make a big difference - $40 vaccinates 100 children against measles and packets of therapeutic foods which can bring a malnourished child back from the bring cost only 70c each.So, every dollar really does count.

Come along to sample the flavours and aromas of Somali food; enjoy the colour and vibrancy of Somali music and dance; see demonstrations of Somali crafts and pick up some unusual gifts or early Christmas presents.

Event details
Date: Saturday, 26 November 2011 (election day!)
Venue: St Andrew's on the Terrace
30 The Terrace, Wellington
Time: 10am - 4pm