For Immediate Release For more information:
Randy Souza
Feeding the Nations
574-968-1566
From Blankets to Homes: Local Non-Profit Supports Bangladesh
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - When a cyclone hit Bangladesh leaving over 3,400 dead and more than 20,000 homeless, Feeding The Nations (FTN), a South Bend-based non-profit organization, sprung into action. FTN immediately sent financial aid to purchase 2,525 blankets, 1,525 shawls and 1,025 big scarves - all of which were handmade by Bangladeshis in an effort to help the local economy. As the immediate needs subside, FTN has agreed to provide the funding to help restore the country by building 70 family homes.
"We mourn for those who lost loved ones and homes because of the cyclone in Bangladesh," said Steve Sumrall, president of FTN. "We want to help rebuild the nation and the lives of those affected. While the blankets and scarves will keep them warm through the winter, we want to build houses that will give them a place of rest and be a home to them as they continue to recover."
Millions have been tragically affected by the cyclone as it swept through the country, flattening houses, damaging buildings and roads, and destroying thousands of acres of crops. FTN has partnered with the Swedish organization, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), who works within the nation to distribute and execute the rebuilding projects.
"We managed to get enough blankets and scarves from local villages. People were very happy to get work to help their own people. Village people worked day and night in order to get aid to the victims as soon as possible. It was very important to them that they could be involved," Anders Korswing of MAF reported. "Cold weather is on the way but we will get help to these people in time before it gets cold. Without blankets people will freeze to death." As of the most recent update, two-thirds of the textiles have been delivered.
Feeding The Nations is a non-profit 501(c) (3) International Christian humanitarian relief organization with supporting international offices. FTN is a division of Provident® whose ministries are headquartered in South Bend, Ind. The mission of FTN is to deliver food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or other natural disasters. FTN directly oversees the entire relief process to assure all contributions are delivered into the hands of those in need. FTN brings the abundance from developed nations to meet the critical needs of people in the third world nations. For more information, visit www.FeedingTheNations.org or write Feeding The Nations, P.O. Box 2438, South Bend, Ind. 46680.
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