Crisis in war-torn Yemen prompts £68,000 relief fundraiser by Co-op Group

After months of civil war in Yemen left 18.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid, the Co-operative Group has responded with a fundraising and awareness campaign. On...

After months of civil war in Yemen left 18.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid, the Co-operative Group has responded with a fundraising and awareness campaign.

On its official blog site, the Group said: “Last month we received an alert from our partners at the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) that an urgent appeal was being launched for the crisis unfolding in Yemen. Months of civil war has left 18.8 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.”

The conflict in the country – the poorest in the Middle East – has resulted in food and fuel shortages, resulting in human suffering, children dying from malnutrition and almost half a million young people in need of immediate medical treatment.

In response to the DEC’s plea, the Group sent messages to its 4 million active members and 70,000 colleagues asking for help – and between 15 December and 24 January members, colleagues and customers raised £68,000.

The Group is also sending £50,000 from donations raised by sales of Co-op Fairbourne Springs bottled water to help provide clean water supplies for Yemen.

Barry Clavi, the Group’s ethics, sustainability and campaigns lead, said: “We know that we can make a difference when we mobilise. Our reach allows us to support the DEC both in raising money but also bringing attention to the situation in Yemen.

“The money raised will provide people in desperate need with emergency food and life-saving healthcare as well as clean and sustainable water sources.

“The £50,000 from Co-op’s Fairbourne Springs bottled water alone will benefit over 13,000 people through repairing water networks, rehabilitating supplies and funding 20 rain harvesting systems and 6,000 water filters.”

He added: “I’d like to thank all of our members, customers and colleagues for reacting so quickly at Christmas, our busiest time of the year and to everyone who has donated to this appeal.”

The DEC will continue to fundraise for the crisis in Yemen until the situation is stable. If you’d like to make a donation, you can do so here.

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