Compassion International Sends Ethiopia $1M in Aid

Responding to Ethiopia's ongoing famine, Compassion International is sending $1.4 million to the beleaguered nation. The emergency aid will go to help 6.2 million people facing starvation. Most of the funds, part of an effort that began in March and will continue at least through the year's end, will be used for direct food relief and medical supplies. Part of the money will help develop small businesses in the hardest-hit communities. "In these communities that are continuously dealing with food source issues, we are helping individuals to withstand and perhaps even avoid food crises in the long term - not just by helping them in the short term but also by supporting small business enterprises," said Mark Hanlon, senior vice president of Compassion International, USA. The group has been working in Ethiopia since 1993.