Donate to the West Africa Food Crisis
Humanitarian assistance is urgently needed in the Sahel region of West and Central Africa as many countries are facing food shortages and are at risk of a severe food crisis due to drought, erratic rainfall, armed violence and population movements. Pressure on food and fuel supplies have caused prices to increase, further threatening vulnerable populations.
It is estimated that up to 18 million people will be affected across the Sahel region, which includes Mauritania, Niger, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and northern Senegal. The Red Cross has a strong presence in the Sahel and is supporting local Red Cross Societies and communities by actively scaling up operations to meet the urgent needs of affected communities, while at the same time managing the risks before the situation becomes too advanced.
The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of helping to build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities in the region and is ready to assist with emergency supplies and personnel if needed. Despite these efforts, the situation has left communities extremely vulnerable, and more funds are urgently needed to address this growing crisis.
Funds raised will be used to support the Red Cross Movement in providing life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable. Once immediate needs are met, the Red Cross will help people rebuild and recover their resilience and livelihoods. The West Africa Food Crisis Appeal will cover countries in the Sahel region of West and Central Africa which are facing food security issues both now and in the future.
Canadians wishing to help support relief efforts underway are encouraged to contribute by
- Donating online
- Calling 1-800-418-1111
- By contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "West Africa Food Crisis" and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2
