Charities launch campaign to help famine-stricken Niger

by Joe Lepper, Brand Republic 03-Aug-05, 07:00

LONDON - Charity group the Disasters Emergency Committee has launched a hard-hitting campaign to raise aid for famine-hit Niger, including a TV campaign featuring 'Twin Town' and 'Mission Impossible 2' star Dougray Scott.

The campaign has been launched in an attempt to help the estimated 2.5m people in Niger who are facing acute food shortages.

Advertising and promotional activity includes short films featuring Dougray Scott and Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine, which will be shown on the BBC and ITV, as well as posters in charity shops.

All activity is aimed at guiding the public to a campaign website or telephone number 0870 6060900 where they can make donations.

Posters will also be on display at high street banks and post offices, where donations can also be made over the counter.

DEC chief executive Brendan Gormley said: "We need the public to donate whatever they can today to help us save lives. DEC members are working together to get urgent supplies of food to those who need it most urgently in Niger."

According to a statement from DEC, whose members include Oxfam and Save the Children, an estimated 40% of children in the African state are malnourished. It also has the second highest mortality rate among children under five.

Pic: Oxfam/Crispin Hughes

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