Story by Fran Belbin
Burngreave residents have been busy raising funds to support those suffering since the escalation in violence in the war in Yemen.
For three years, Yemen, the world’s poorest country, has been wracked by civil war. It is almost impossible to be sure of how many have died, but a new analysis from Save the Children says that 85,000 children under five may have died from extreme hunger or disease since the war began. At least 10,000 non-combatants have been killed in the bombing campaign.
Various groups and individuals have organised fundraising efforts to help those suffering, donating everything from clothes to disability wheelchairs. One recent collection, organised by Daleel Travel and Al Rahman Mosque, collected enough goods to fill a 40ft container.
On November 11th, a group came together to coordinate the collections and to ensure that funds raised would be put to maximum benefit in Yemen. The group – Sheffield for Humanitarian Aid and Peace in Yemen – agreed to find a practical project to support through fundraising, including the provision of food supplies, clothing, childcare products and medicines, with the support of the wider community, in collaboration aid agencies.
The group raised over £1,000 immediately, with donations from individuals and Trade Unions.
Their next event is a women’s charity event, to be held in Verdon Recreation Centre on 22nd December, 12pm – 5pm. Please call 0114 243 4340 for further information.
The group have a Facebook page where you can keep up to date and get involved – just search for ‘Sheffield Yemen’.
