GENEROUS Evening Press readers have raised more than £5,000 to help millions of starving children in southern Africa.

An estimated six million youngsters are at risk from the current food crisis in the region which is already bearing the full brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The Evening Press teamed up with international aid agency Unicef to launch a campaign of hope for those affected by the famine.

Our special appeal gave people the chance to make donations or to organise fundraising events.

The six countries affected in the current crisis, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi have some of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world, with an average of one in every four people across the region infected with the disease.

Louis Coles, regional fundraising manager for Yorkshire praised the response of Evening Press.

He said: "The support

of Evening Press readers has been absolutely fantastic!

"Everyone at Unicef

has been touched by the generosity of York residents. As you can see, in

raising over £5,000, you have helped to make a massive difference to the

lives of thousands of children across southern Africa.

"Your support of this

appeal shows your commitment to making the world a better place for the next generation, and on behalf of all of the children of Southern Africa, thank you."

Mr Coles said the money raised can buy 504 relocation kits for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The kit contains basic essentials such as a blanket, hoe, clothes, soap and health insurance card to take to the extended or foster family.

The donations will also pay for therapeutic feeding for 70,588 youngsters and help save the lives of 300 children suffering from cholera or dysentery by treating them with oral rehydration salts.

To make a donation for the children of southern Africa, telephone UNICEF's 24-hour donation line on 0345 312 312 (local rate) or visit the website www.unicef.org.uk

Headline: Readers donate £5,000 to Africa appeal

byline: Matthew Woodcock e-mail: matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

GENEROUS Evening Press readers have raised more than £5,000 to help millions of starving children in southern Africa.

An estimated six million youngsters are at risk from the current food crisis in the region which is already bearing the full brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The Evening Press teamed up with international aid agency Unicef to launch a campaign of hope for those affected by the famine.

Our special appeal gave people the chance to make donations or to organise fundraising events.

The six countries affected in the current crisis, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi have some of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world, with an average of one in every four people across the region infected with the disease.

Louis Coles, regional fundraising manager for Yorkshire praised the response of Evening Press.

He said: "The support

of Evening Press readers has been absolutely fantastic!

"Everyone at Unicef

has been touched by the generosity of York residents. As you can see, in

raising over £5,000, you have helped to make a massive difference to the

lives of thousands of children across southern Africa.

"Your support of this

appeal shows your commitment to making the world a better place for the next generation, and on behalf of all of the children of Southern Africa, thank you."

Mr Coles said the money raised can buy 504 relocation kits for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The kit contains basic essentials such as a blanket, hoe, clothes, soap and health insurance card to take to the extended or foster family.

The donations will also pay for therapeutic feeding for 70,588 youngsters and help save the lives of 300 children suffering from cholera or dysentery by treating them with oral rehydration salts.

To make a donation for the children of southern Africa, telephone UNICEF's 24-hour donation line on 0345 312 312 (local rate) or visit the website www.unicef.org.uk

Updated: 08:13 Friday, September 06, 2002