BURBANK, California (August 24, 2005) – Southern California aid agency
Islamic Relief is hosting a benefit dinner for the victims of the food crisis in
Niger and Mali in West Africa. The event is being co-sponsored by the Islamic
Shura Council of Southern California, an umbrella organization of over 60
Mosques and Islamic Organizations.
Over 5 million people face starvation in Niger and Mali due to the current
crisis, caused by drought and a locust infestation. This includes over 800,000
children, out of which 150,000 might face death unless immediate aid is
delivered.
Islamic Relief is working on the ground with field offices in both Niger and Mali,
and it aims to help over one million people through food distribution and
medical aid. Islamic Relief representatives who witnessed the crisis first hand
in a recent trip will also be present at the benefit dinner.
In addition to a live feed from an Islamic Relief representative in West Africa,
other speakers at the event include: Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the
Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Dr. Maher Hathout, Senior
Advisor to the Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Dr. Hatem Bazian, professor
at the University of California, Berkeley.
What:
Humanitarian Benefit Dinner for the
Victims of the Food Crisis in Niger and Mali
When:
Sunday, August 28, 2005
6:00 PM
Where:
Embassy Suites Hotel
11767 Harbor Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
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Media Contact:
Arif Shaikh
Islamic Relief USA
arif@irw.org
(310) 351-3931 mobile
(714) 676-1301 fax