WALK AND RALLY FOR DARFUR SET FOR MARCH 29 AT DE ANZA COVE
SEVERAL THOUSAND WALKERS EXPECTED TO RAISE MONEY TO BENEFIT WOMEN OF WAR-TORN AREA
SAN DIEGO, March 11, 2009 – A fundraising walk to benefit women and children of the Darfur region of Sudan has been set for 9 a.m. March 29 at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay Park.
Money raised will be sent directly to the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), which since 2004 has been providing humanitarian aid and engaging in US-based education and advocacy to end the crisis in Darfur. The money raised by the walk will be used specifically to benefit rape victims and children affected by the genocide in Darfur.
Since 2003, the government of Sudan and their proxy militia, the Janjaweed, have been conducting a counter-insurgency operation against rebel groups in Darfur. Their primary strategy is a “scorched earth” campaign targeting communities that share the same ethnicity as the rebels. Government forces and the Janjaweed terrorize and kill civilians, rape women and girls, burn villages, and drive innocent people from their homes. More than two million people have been displaced and at least 450,000 have lost their lives in the genocide.
“We need to stand up for the suffering people of Darfur and offer as much support as possible,” said Rabbi Lee Bycel, American Jewish World Service, Director, Western Region. “We can help end this genocide by raising awareness and providing financial support.”
Walkers and runners are welcome to traverse the two or four mile course, and can register for the event at www.sandiegowalkfordarfur.org. All age groups and fitness levels are welcome. Each registered participant will receive a full-color t-shirt. The San Diego Women’s Drum Circle will perform.
About AJWS
AJWS’s mission is to alleviate poverty, hunger and disease among poor people in developing countries regardless of race, religion, or nationality. Through grants to grassroots organizations, volunteer service, advocacy and education, AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibility of global citizenship within the Jewish community.
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