There are plenty of awful things going on everywhere. So unnecessary. Death in the Darfur region of South Western Sudan in Africa is one. I thought starvation was common in Africa, but my experience there was different. Starvation in Africa is caused by drought sometimes, but more often, war. War disrupts farming and the flow of food. It concentrates large numbers of migrants or refugees onto land beyond its carrying capacity. That is Darfur. The conflict is overflowing into the Central African Republic and Chad. It may ignite all of Southern Sudan. It is getting even sadder.
Portland has attracted a center of Darfur concern with NY Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, born in Yamhill, visiting and writing extensively, the Portland Amnesty International chapter raising funds and awareness, and other local organizations involved. You can't get more involved though, than putting feet on the ground as does Portland's Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps provides emergency medical and relief workers, then works to develop community centered and directed long term programs.
Tonight dine or hoist a beer in a restaurant participating in Dine for Darfur and 25% of the bill goes to Mercy Corps for Darfur programs. So easy. The participating restaurants and taverns are listed on the website. Thank the venue, thank yourself. One night only. So easy.
