Cash for survivors of Cyclone Freddy

Poppy and I are currently volunteering with a v small (4 ppl currently) NGO called DIN Malawi, located in southern Malawi - the region worst affected by Cyclone Freddy. The most immediate need right now is money to buy food for the families that have been displaced by the cyclone (over 564,000). We met a displaced group of over 300 ppl on Tuesday. Their houses and crops were flooded or swept away. Their livelihoods are entirely dependent on agriculture so they now have nothing. Since the cyclone (early March), the Government has provided this particular group with just 63 bags of maize and they haven’t received help from elsewhere. Whilst they remain positive, they literally don’t have any food or the means to buy it.

In short, they need help right now, so we are asking if people could donate £5 or £10 each. For a bit of perspective, 70% of Malawians live off 2.15 USD or less a day, so our money will go a long way. We will be ensuring that ALL money donated is literally handed to these people. Totally understand if you can’t do this but thank you so much if you can.

Given the urgent need, we’ve set a deadline of Wednesday 19 April as we aim to get the cash to the group on Thursday 20 April.

Just a note on direct cash transfer - we’ve discussed this with the NGO and in these circumstances we have deemed this to be the most efficient and quickest way of getting money to these people. It restores dignity and is also the most cost effective - they know what food they need and can get it at the right price (rather than an international org buying at inflated prices).

Thank you,

Jasper & Poppy