FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                                                                                MEDIA CONTACT: Ann Freeman
Director of Public Relations
612-659-6222 [email protected]

Proceeds will go to International Committee of Red Cross to aid relief efforts in Somalia

MINNEAPOLIS, April 18, 2006 – Minneapolis Community and Technical College today hosted a reception sponsored by Somali students from several area colleges to present a check for over  $27,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help the relief effort for thousands of Somalis facing starvation due to a famine in Somalia. The students, who represented Somali student groups from Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), the University of Minnesota, Normandale Community College, North Hennepin Community College, and Minnesota State University Mankato, organized the fundraising drive over the past month.

“Drought and armed violence continue to affect thousands of Somali civilians,” said Laura Olson, Legal Adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Regional Delegation for the U.S. and Canada, who came from Washington DC for the event. “This is tragic and avoidable. This generous donation by the Somali student groups will help the ICRC save lives as it delivers food, water, seeds and tools to those affected by this latest crisis.”

In addition to raising money, the fundraising effort is intended to bring awareness to the humanitarian crisis engulfing the people of Somalia. Years of drought have triggered the famine, with women and children most a risk for starvation.

“This fundraising campaign is inspiring,” said Phil Davis, President of MCTC. “Our students are working hard to complete their college education and are often also busy with work and family commitments. Yet they still found the time to make a real contribution to the Somali relief effort.”

“The Twin Cities is home to the largest Somali population in the nation,” said Jamal Adam, MCTC Somali student advisor and lead organizer of the fundraising effort. “The community has donated generously to the relief efforts. This student-led effort is one part of the Somali community’s response to the drought that affected parts of their country of origin.”

Donations are still being accepted for the relief effort and can be directed to MCTC. Anyone who would like to make a donation can contact Jamal Adam at 612-659-6742.
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Photo caption: During a reception at Minneapolis Community and Technical College on April 18, members of Somali student groups from several Twin Cities colleges and universities presented Laura Olson, Legal Adviser for the International Committee of the Red Cross, a symbolic check for the more than $27,000 raised for famine relief efforts in Somalia.