FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of General Electric Company, today announced that it will provide emergency grants totaling $2 million for humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of Sudan. CARE and UNICEF will each receive $750,000, and International Medical Corps will receive $500,000.
The funding will enable these organizations to help meet the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, emergency and other needs of the displaced residents. The grants will allow the three recipients to continue their existing activities in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. Current activities include the furnishing of temporary shelter, sanitary facilities, potable water, health services and food aid, with the goal to reduce child and maternal mortality and malnutrition rates.
Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE, said, "The humanitarian conflict in Darfur affects millions of people -- especially women and children -- and we're working to meet their most basic needs at this critical junction. This funding will help stabilize camps and save lives."
Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, said, "Vaccinations, vitamin supplements, family water kits and other supplies are urgently needed given the extremely fragile health status in Darfur. This support from the GE Foundation comes at a key moment when UNICEF's Darfur funds are significantly below needed levels."
Nancy Aossey, president and CEO of IMC, said, "The goal of International Medical Corps is to reduce mortality and morbidity rates among the affected population in the Darfur region. The financial contribution from GE's philanthropic organization sends an extraordinary statement about their commitment to support those affected by this tragic situation."
About CARE
CARE has 60 years of experience delivering emergency aid. With ongoing poverty-fighting projects in 70 countries, CARE can respond quickly anywhere in the world. CARE's emergency responses focus on the needs of the most vulnerable, particularly women and children. For more information, visit www.care.org.
About International Medical Corps
IMC is a global humanitarian non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs. Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, IMC is a private, voluntary, non-political, non-sectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in areas worldwide. For more information, visit www.imcworldwide.org.
About UNICEF
Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children in 156 countries and territories through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
About the GE Foundation
The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, works to strengthen educational opportunity for disadvantaged children and youth globally and supports GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in GE communities around the world.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
Contacts
Frank Mantero, 203-218-1498
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