World Development & Relief Committee

The need for Relief

Due to natural disasters and conflict, 30 million people flee their homes every year and over half a million are killed in war. Families are torn apart and livelihoods shattered. It is in such situations that WDRC may support relief work. During emergencies such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami and Pakistan earthquake the priority is to save and protect lives by providing food, shelter and clothing, clean water and medical care. Longer term there may be the need for rebuilding of homes and infrastructure and the facilitating of people returning to a normal and sustainable life.

Relief is always going to be needed as disasters and conflict will continue. However, we must not lose sight of our commitment to long-term development as 30,000 people a day die simply as a result of being poor.

To support long-term development you can contribute to WDRC's 1% appeal or the direct debit scheme.

How WDRF responds to Relief

WDRF is a relatively small fund and does not have staff stationed overseas. It is therefore best that WDRF operates through established churches and organisations already active on the ground when relief situations arise. For example when the Tsunami hit Asia some years ago, a special appeal was announced within the Irish Methodist Church and funds of approximately £340,000 / €450,000 were channeled through the appropriate overseas partner churches and also Christian Aid who have partner organisations active within those areas.

Most recent relief response

The Burma Cyclone received an immediate £5,000 / €6,600 allocation from WDRF funds. Further donations were received from Irish Methodist Churches. All contributions wre channeled through Christian Aid and their partners on the ground.

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