The United Church of Canada

The United Church of Canada is deeply concerned about the emergency situation now affecting several countries in the Horn of Africa. On July 20, 2011, the United Church launched an appeal in response to this crisis and is currently inviting donations. Our hearts go out to the millions of people affected.

The church invites its members to join in prayer and support. Read the latest updates.

Donate Now

Please provide your support today. All donations received and designated for "Horn of Africa Drought Relief" will be applied directly to support United Church partners in this work. Please join the 5077 individuals who have donated $1,343,053 to date.

• Online via our secure donation page.
• Phone 416-231-5931 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 x 2026 and use your Visa or MasterCard.
• Send a cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information with donation amount to:
  • The United Church of Canada
    Philanthropy Unit - Emergency Response
    3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
    Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
    
    Please be sure to note "Emergency Response—Horn of Africa" on the face of your cheque.

What Our Supporters Are Saying

It is good to be able to help in some small way and share our abundance with an area of the world who need our help and prayers.

Ron and Ilene M., Moncton, New Brunswick

May you be given strength, courage and hope.

Heather W., La Ronge, Saskatchewan

May God Bless you and give you strength. May [God's] love guide you and give you hope for a better tomorrow.

Helen M., Mississauga, Ontario

Latest Response Updates

• See all updates
• Read the Full Emergency Appeal

Related News and Info

• See all News and Info related to the crisis in the Horn of Africa

Resources

• Horn of Africa Appeal web badges
  Post these on your church or personal website to help spread the word about The United Church of Canada Horn of Africa Appeal
• Horn of Africa Donations FAQ [PDF: 3 pp/188 KB]
  This document answers some common questions received by the General Council Office since the launch of the Emergency Appeal, and also provides guidelines for treasurers and congregations dealing with Horn of Africa donations.
• Congregational Gifts Template
  An easy summary for treasurers creating Horn of Africa donation lists to send to General Council Office. Available in 2 formats.
  • Congregational Gifts Template [XLS: 33 KB]
  • Congregational Gifts Template [ODS: 11 KB]
• United Church Launches Appeal for Horn of Africa Drought and Famine Relief Bulletin Insert [PDF: 1 p/30 KB]
  A bulletin insert inviting responses to the United Church's Horn of Africa Appeal.
• Horn of Africa Emergency Appeal Bulletin Insert (with Prayer) [PDF: 1 p/91 KB]
  A bulletin insert inviting donations to the United Church's 2011 Horn of Africa Emergency Appeal.
• Horn of Africa Emergency Appeal Bulletin Insert (with Reflection) [PDF: 1 p/74 KB]
  A bulletin insert inviting donations to the United Church's 2011 Horn of Africa Emergency Appeal.
• Prayers & Litanies for Eastern Africa Food Crisis
  The Canadian Foodgrains Bank, an ecumenical association of which the United Church is a founding member, is offering a collection of prayers, litanies, and hymns appropriate for the Horn of Africa crisis.

Background and Analysis

• Horn of Africa Emergency, 2011—Backgrounder [PDF: 3 pp/59 KB]
  This document provides background information answering three questions: Were there warning signs? What factors have contributed to the 2011 crisis? and What related issues are also a concern?
• Shocking Images Aren't Enough
  In an opinion piece in The Globe and Mail, Doctors without Borders explains why aid organizations need to avoid using simple messages when hoping for permanent solutions.
   

From Our Partners

• ACT Alliance
  Stay on top of the latest news with updates from our partner, ACT Alliance.
• Famine Highlights Long-Term Injustices
  Peter Prove of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance discusses root causes of the food security crisis in the Horn of Africa and why understanding them is essential to providing emergency food aid and other assistance. The United Church is a member of the EAA.

For further information, contact:

• Wendy Gichuru
  Program Coordinator, Africa and Middle East Partnerships
  Partners in Mission Unit
  Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4038
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4038
  E-mail: Wendy Gichuru
• Gary Kenny
  Program Coordinator, Emergency Response and International Development
  Partners in Mission Unit
  Tel: 416-231-5931 ext. 4051
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4051
  E-mail: Gary Kenny