Friends of Niger (FON)

Friends of Niger Famine Relief Fundraisers

The food crisis in Niger continues, though it's been pushed from the headlines by our domestic crisis, Hurricane Katrina. Posted below are links to websites accepting donations for famine relief and some excellent journalism describing current conditions in Niger.

Friends of Niger around the U.S. have already raised tens of thousands of dollars for famine relief efforts. Here are the upcoming events that we know about. If you would like your activities listed, please e-mail Bill Stein.

West Chester, PA (Sat 10 Sept, 7:30 pm): A Night for Niger at the Unitarian Fellowship, 501 S High St. Professor Paul Stoller of West Chester University, who has written books about Niger and has lived in Niger, will be giving a slide presentation. There is no admission fee, but there's a suggested donation of $10, with all proceeds donated to the World Food Programme for its famine relief activities in Niger. View the event's flyer.
Seattle, WA (Sun 18 Sept, 6:00 pm until?): Niger Famine Relief Party at The Rendezvous, 2322 2nd Ave (near Bell St). Bands start at 6pm, DJs spin all night. Silent auction of Niger arts and crafts. $10 cover charge, with all proceeds donated to the World Food Programme for its famine relief activities in Niger. Contact Keri Cavanaugh with any questions.
Portland, OR (Tues 20 Sept, 6:00-8:30 pm): Fundraiser for Famine Relief in Niger at Ciao Vito, 2203 NE Alberta St. Featuring hors d'œuvres and wines from some of the finest restaurants and wineries in the Portland region. There will also be a short presentation on the current situation in Niger, stories and music from West Africa, and an auction of donated goods and services. $20 minimum donation, with all proceeds donated to Mercy Corps for its famine relief activities in Niger. Check out the cool poster!
Corvallis, OR: Ruth Sitton DeMaio (RPCV Niger 1970-1973) is soliticing donations for a focused aid project in the Birni N'Konni area. Funds she has raised, sent directly to trusted individuals in Niger, have already allowed the purchase of over five tons of food and its distribution to 2500 people. She is currently wiring additional funds on a weekly basis. Donations can be mailed to Ruth Sitton DeMaio, 2435 NW Arthur Ave, Corvallis OR 97330.

Please Donate What You Can

Friends of Niger encourages all to visit one or more of these websites to donate much-needed funds toward aid agencies working directly in Niger. Be sure to designate your donations for famine relief in Niger.

Action Against Hunger (programs in Maradi, Dakoro, and Tahoua)
Africare (35-year involvement in programs throughout Niger)
CARE (programs in six of Niger's eight regions)
Catholic Relief Services (programs in Dogon Doutchi, Ouallam, Tanout, and Tillabéri)
Islamic Relief (programs in Ouallam and Tillabéri)
Concern Worldwide (programs in and around Tahoua)
Lutheran World Relief (programs in Maradi, Tahoua, and Tillabéri)
Médecins Sans Frontières (programs in Aguié, Dakoro, Keita, Maradi, Tahoua, and Zinder; but no longer soliciting donations for Niger)
Mercy Corps (programs in northern Filingué)
Oxfam (assisting nomadic people in Maradi, Tahoua, and Tillabéri)
Save the Children (providing food and supplies to thousands of families in the most acutely affected areas of southern Niger)
United Nations World Food Programme (coordinating all bulk food distributions in southern Niger)
World Vision (programs in and around Zinder)

September 2005