Homes in Malawi have been destroyed by the floods. © Photos Courtesy of Vincent Masopera Gondwe.
March 6, 2015
Southern Africa has been receiving more rain then usual over the passed few weeks which has resulted in floods throughout the region. It has affected Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique. Malawi and Mozambique have been the hardest hit of all the countries and the situation there is dire. Malawi’s floods are being heralded as the worst flood in the country’s history. Fifteen out of twenty-nine districts are under a state of emergency so this has affected half of the nation. The devastating floods have resulted in nearly 200 deaths and over 200,000 have been displaced and are living in tents.
Malawians in the Diaspora are gravely concerned about the immediate and long-term impacts of this emergency. In order to support the flood victims, we have launched a fundraising campaign called the Washington Area Malawi Flood Relief Effort (WAMFRE). WAMFRE is sponsored by a coalition of three non-profit, membership-based organizations in the Washington, DC area: the Malawi Washington Association (MWA), Malawi Washington Foundation (MWF), and the Southern African Community USA (SACU). WAMFRE is also partnering with reputable local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are working with Malawian communities to rebuild and move towards sustainability.
The mission of WAMFRE is to raise awareness about the recent Malawi floods in the United States and to provide support to vulnerable populations through existing relief efforts in areas that have been affected by the floods.
To meet this mission and address the needs of flood victims, our objectives are to raise awareness through various media outlets and to solicit donations. WAMFRE has launched an online Indiegogo fundraising campaign and will also sponsor several events throughout the year. Tax deductible Donations will be accepted at each event. These will go towards purchasing food, blankets, tents, medical supplies, building materials and other essential items for the victims.
small businesses in town have been destroyed due to the floods. © Photos Courtesy of Vincent Masopera Gondwe.
Upcoming WAMFRE-sponsored Fundraising Events
Prayer Vigil for Malawi Flood Disaster
March 6, 2015 (7 pm – 9 pm)
The People’s Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905
WAMFRE Fundraising Night
March 27, 2015 (7 pm – 11 pm)
Avante Garde Ballroom Center, 5268, Nicholson Lane, Kensington (N.Bethesda), MD 20895
(Cash bar)
Ongoing WAMFRE Fundraising Campaign (Online or via Mail)
Donate online via Indiegogo or via check payable to “Southern African Community USA (SACU)” (Please mail check to: WAMFRE, 11011 Inwood Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20902).
We hope that you are able to support the aforementioned efforts and our other activities throughout the year.
For more information about WAMFRE and our upcoming fundraising activities, visit www.malawiwashington.org , email wamfre@southernafricancommunity.org.
Zikomo kwambiri (Thank you very much)