May 20, 2003

Humanitarian Aid for People of Iraq

Shortly after the onset of war in Iraq, Community of Christ members began contacting headquarters to find out how to be part of a World Church effort to offer humanitarian aid to people in that country. Contributions of members and friends to the World Hunger Fund can help support a $25,000 grant that was sent to Mercy Corps International on May 16 to be used toward alleviating needs of those suffering from the effects of the war in Iraq. These dollars were earmarked for hunger relief and systems development to help ensure that adequate food is available during this time of transition.

World Hunger Committee chair Wallace Smith said, "We know there are tremendous needs for assistance. The Community of Christ World Hunger Fund is pleased to offer help to the Iraqi people through a humanitarian organization, just as we have done for Afghanistan, Bosnia, and other war-ravaged countries." Committee member Kenneth Schnell said, "In addition to our prayers, our shared dollars will bring clean water, food, and health care to a people in need of knowing that there are people who care. Our financial support will do more than help meet these basic physical needs—it will link our hearts with theirs."

Mercy Corps International has actively supported humanitarian efforts in Iraq since 2001. According to the organization’s Web site at www.mercycorps.org, the people of Iraq faced hunger issues before the war and its aftermath leads to additional uncertainty. Mercy Corps’ statistics indicate that one half million Iraqi children are acutely malnourished or underweight; approximately 16 million people, more than half of whom are children, rely on government handouts as their only food supply; and forty percent of the population does not have access to clean water.

As the World Hunger Committee researched relief organizations to determine how the $25,000 grant would be distributed, input from people with unique experience and knowledge were consulted. Ambassador John K. Menzies, Ph.D., who has been recognized for his peace efforts in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, said, "I have great confidence in Mercy Corps International." Mercy Corps’ Web site states: "Mercy Corps is providing emergency relief supplies to help Iraq’s families and children survive. Mercy Corps is also committed to providing long-term support to help the people of Iraq to strengthen their communities and to rebuild their country."

-Kendra Friend reporting