GE Foundation provide $2 mln for Humanitarian efforts in Darfur
Dec 12, 2006 (FAIRFIELD, Conn).– The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of General Electric Company, today announced that it will provide emergency grants totaling $2 million for humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of Sudan.
CARE and UNICEF will each receive $750,000, and International Medical Corps will receive $500,000. The funding will enable these organizations to help meet the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, emergency and other needs of the displaced residents.
The grants will allow the three recipients to continue their existing activities in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. Current activities include the furnishing of temporary shelter, sanitary facilities, potable water, health services and food aid, with the goal to reduce child and maternal mortality and malnutrition rates.
Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE, said, “The humanitarian conflict in Darfur affects millions of people – especially women and children – and we’re working to meet their most basic needs at this critical junction. This funding will help stabilize camps and save lives.”
Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, said, “Vaccinations, vitamin supplements, family water kits and other supplies are urgently needed given the extremely fragile health status in Darfur. This support from the GE Foundation comes at a key moment when UNICEF’s Darfur funds are significantly below needed levels.”
Nancy Aossey, president and CEO of IMC, said, “The goal of International Medical Corps is to reduce mortality and morbidity rates among the affected population in the Darfur region. The financial contribution from GE’s philanthropic organization sends an extraordinary statement about their commitment to support those affected by this tragic situation.”
(ST)