Singer Thom calls for East Africa support

SINGER and Oxfam supporter Sandi Thom is calling on people in Shetland to support Oxfam’s East Africa Appeal.

Skyrocketing food prices risk pushing millions of people across East Africa towards severe hunger and destitution. A number of factors, including successive droughts, violent conflict and chronic poverty have put an estimated 9 to 13 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

Oxfam is currently working with people in Ethiopia, Somalia and Northern Kenya to help stop the crisis escalating. The agency says it needs the support of people throughout the country to make a difference to their emergency assistance operation.

Sandi said: “I am asking the people in Lerwick to give what they can to support Oxfam’s work in East Africa. Drought and rising food prices are some of the main causes that are propelling millions of people in East Africa towards severe hunger and destitution. The work that Oxfam is doing in East Africa is essential and sadly necessary. People should support Oxfam’s work in trying to help people who desperately need it.”

Linda Whitesmith, shop manager for Oxfam Lerwick, said: “I’m calling on locals to pop in to our shop and donate to support Oxfam’s emergency response in East Africa. Donations made here can make a huge difference in the region. We know local people always rise to the challenge to help those facing disasters and sadly we need their help again. Please give what you can, so that we can help those most in need.”