Australian actress and World Vision Ambassador Rebecca Gibney has called on Australians to donate to World Vision’s West Africa Food Crisis Appeal.
Recording a special video message during a break in filming on the set of ‘Packed to the Rafters’, Rebecca spoke about her role as an ambassador for World Vision over 20 years and what she’s seen on her own trips to Africa during that time.
“I have met families whose lives have been changed by World Vision’s work,” Gibney said. “I have seen for myself how donations from ordinary Australian families really do make a difference”.
World Vision estimates around 15 million people are now in need of food assistance across West Africa, particularly in Niger, Mali, Chad, Mauritania and Senegal. In Niger alone, more than six million people are at risk of hunger and nearly two million of those are in critical need of food assistance.
Already 1.3 million children in the region are suffering from acute malnutrition, with 400,000 suffering from the most severe form.
World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello said, “Donations from Australians will help to save lives in West Africa if we act now. Despite the fact these countries are a world away, they are in dire need of our support and the money raised will make a real difference.”
The West Africa Food Crisis Appeal will fund an emergency response that includes life-saving interventions like feeding programs for acutely malnourished children, the delivery of food aid and replenishing village granaries.
Globally, World Vision aims to raise $60 million to help more than 1 million people.
Ms Gibney took time out of her busy schedule filming Packed to the Rafters to record this video support message for World Vision. She will also feature at the 2012 TV Week Logie Awards later this month, where she is again nominated for a Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress on Australian television.
To donate to the West Africa Food Crisis Appeal, click here.
Source: WorldVision.com.au
