Philadelphia (January 15, 2008) – The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is accepting financial donations for Kenyans affected by post-election violence. After the results of the latest elections, conflicts have erupted which have claimed the lives, homes, and livelihoods of many Kenyans. About 250,000 Kenyans have been displaced from their homes, and many do not have food, water, and other necessities needed to survive. A little more than 500 are believed to have died.

Netlyn Bernard of AFSC’s Nairobi office, says, “The violence is destroying the peace that many Kenyans have built and practiced for years in communities of diverse ethnic and political identities. We hope that our support of direct aid and peace-building projects will aid the victims of violence and encourage those working for peace and healing.”

AFSC has already made grants from its Crisis Fund to two local partners providing relief supplies and medicines and also to a network of local NGO’s supporting dignified burials for victims of the violence and longer-term peace-building measures.

Cash donations to the AFSC Crisis Fund can be made via the AFSC website at www.afsc.org or by calling 1-888-588-2372. Contributions by check should be made out to the “AFSC” with a note referencing Crisis Fund - Kenya and mailed to AFSC Development, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Backed by a 90-year history of peace-building and humanitarian work, the American Friends Service Committee has provided aid in war and disaster zones around the world. AFSC accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Quakers worldwide for humanitarian relief work in 1947.

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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.

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John Treat, Director of External Affairs
(215) 241-7087 AFTER HOURS (215) 888-8715

For more information see AFSC's website