The Ugunja Community Resource Centre Needs Our Help!

This letter is to let you know that our friend and partner organization in Ugunja Kenya – Ugunja Community Resource Centre (UCRC) - is in the midst of a crisis.

There has been extreme flooding in the region from heavy rains.  At this time, 40,000 people have been affected by the floods. The large torrents have swept away homes and farms along the riverbanks and have displaced many families. To make matters worse, there is a national Doctors strike so there are no doctors willing to assist with the urgent needs. The floods have forced people from their homes as well as damaged homes beyond repair. The high waters have also increased waterborne diseases like cholera and the number of mosquito related diseases like malaria. More than 100 families are camping in schools and other institutions, waiting for supplies. UCRC has been visiting these people but currently have no resources to offer.

Here are some statements from Aggrey, the Executive Director of UCRC.

“We are hit by heavy floods and in our community houses are submerged and people camping outside.  Deaths are occurring both from the impact of the floods and doctors strike.  The situation is bad.”

“The need is great but the response is slow coming from relief agencies.  Red Cross has not reached many of the places despite desperate calls to assist even infants and old men who we found shivering from the harsh cold.”

“We have immediate needs for cash for medical services (already people are dying out of malaria and water borne diseases), foodstuff, blankets and beddings, etc.  The situation is so bad that any assistance is welcome.”

Global Youth Volunteer Network would like to respond to the needs of our friends in Ugunja but to do so we also need your help. If you would like to donate to assist with this crisis, we can offer a tax receipt for donations over $15. There are 2 ways you can donate: online through Canada helps (select the Ugunja project) or through the mail by send your donation to our PO box listed above.

If you would like to talk further about this please feel free to contact me at dave@gyvn.ca or 1 (250) 516-6210.

Thank you for your consideration,

Dave