Campaign Against Hunger Begins

For several years, in connection with World Food and Hunger Day (October 16), the Polish Red Cross has conducted a nationwide campaign to combat malnutrition. Its aim is to raise funds to provide food for the poorest children and homeless people, with particular consideration given to regions affected by high unemployment and increasing impoverishment of society. The second, equally important challenge is to make people in Poland aware that hunger is a phenomenon present not only in Third World countries or areas affected by armed conflicts, but also in Polish homes.

As part of the "PCK Campaign Against Hunger," volunteers and employees of the Polish Red Cross conduct collections of money and in-kind donations intended for this purpose. The sale of bread obtained earlier is highly successful—and consequently produces tangible financial results. It is also significant that the PCK is the first organization in this part of Europe to combat poverty and destitution on such a large scale. Thanks to the efforts of the Polish Red Cross, 12 countries from the Central European region joined the campaign, which thereby became an international campaign.

As part of this year's "PCK Campaign Against Hunger," the Red Cross organization's activities will be carried out throughout the country. The Bolesławiec PCK will also join the initiative:

• On October 12–13, school students and volunteers will collect donations in the streets of our town and in supermarkets
• On October 13, from 10:00 a.m., donated food (hot pea soup and cake) and clothing will be distributed in the Market Square.

All funds raised as part of the campaign will be allocated to subsidizing lunches in school cafeterias and to the PCK Shelter for Homeless People in Bolesławiec. We will provide ongoing information about the course of the initiative.

The PCK Regional Board appeals to the residents of Bolesławiec: join the campaign! Let us not allow school teachers and coordinators of PCK school groups to continue reporting facts that leave no doubt—children in our town come to school hungry. Sometimes they faint during lessons because of malnutrition. Let us help them!

Updated 2007-11-22 18:10

The Regional Board of the Polish Red Cross in Bolesławiec reported that the proceeds from the charity campaign amounted to nearly PLN 5,500. The entire amount will be allocated to providing food for children as well as homeless and lonely people.

(information from PCK Bolesławiec/GA)