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Home - Factsheet - How To - Media - Message Board - Newsletter - Photos - Project - VigilKit
Background The Afghan Women's Mission, based in the earthquake-prone Southern California area, appeals to people around the world to hold a candlelight vigil for the 4,000 people injured, and 20,000 people rendered homeless in the recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. During the week of April 20-27, we ask people in Asia, in Australia, in Africa, in America… to light a candle of hope and simply send in one dollar each to the Afghan Women's Mission, to provide emergency aid to those who were affected by the quake. The innocent civilian population of Afghanistan - especially women and children have suffered 23 years of war and occupations - they were hanging on by a thread before the devastating earthquakes. Now, thousands have lost their homes, many have lost members of their families… but more importantly, they have lost hope that things will ever get better. We, as their brothers and sisters, around the world, cannot allow their hope to die. We must reach out and light a candle so they know that we care about their grief, their anguish, and their desperation. We know that bureaucrats or politicians or governments cannot light that hope, but together, as human beings, we can. It's very simple to hold a vigil. Collect a group of people, in your home, in a park, in your community, and light a candle of hope. If you can invest the time to write a press release or involve groups you belong to, you can expand the circle of the vigil deeper and further than we dreamed possible. If you simply light a candle with your close family and friends, that will also be extremely valuable. Whatever you choose to do, we honor your commitment and thank you for your gesture. We hope that thousands of candles across the world will generate enough hope to reach those Afghans who have all but given up. We will make sure that your money helps those most disadvantaged, but we also believe fervently that your candle of hope and your thoughts and prayers will reach them too. We ask that each person donate at least a dollar. If you can consolidate your donation and send us checks of $5 or more, it will be a huge help. To provide for a single victim for 30 days costs RAWA just $30. So even one dollar donation provides for one day's worth of care. To provide just food is $8, clothing $4, and shelter is $13. The remaining $5 provides first aid and medication. We have organized some resources to help you with your vigil. Send an email to vigil@afghanwomensmission.org and we will send you a Vigil Kit. On our web site, www.afghanwomensmission.org, you will find a calendar of events. We ask you to register your event so we know that you or your group has made the commitment to have a vigil. We will have items for sale, available on our web site to commemorate the vigil. As mother's day approaches, we hope you will also choose to send your mother the best gift - a donation gift to the earthquake victims. The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan will provide emergency relief aid, supplying flour and cooking oil; blankets and quilts; medicines and physical aid. RAWA members personally distribute all emergency aid to ensure that it reaches those who need it the most. On Mar.12, 2002 RAWA distributed food among earthquake victims in Khuram and Sarbagh villages of Samangan province in Northern Afghanistan. They plan to undertake a similar program for victims of the recent earthquakes. The Afghan Women's Mission aims to empower Afghan women by improving the education and health facilities of Afghan refugees, many of whom are women and children. RAWA is the oldest political and humanitarian women's organization in Afghanistan. More information about RAWA at www.rawa.org |
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