CFK, even more than ever, is now a great class gift
Issue date: 1/11/08 Section: Letters to the Editor
TO THE EDITOR:
I was disappointed by the suggestion in "UNC's Kenya NGO Closed," (Jan. 9) that seniors would or should reconsider their contribution to Carolina for Kibera.
CFK underscores Senior Class President Ashley Shores' appeal, urging seniors not to abandon the cause at this critical moment in Kibera. Indeed, I can think of no other moment in which gifts from the class of 2008 would have a greater impact in the lives of the people CFK serves than now.
CFK is not closed but has temporarily suspended its regular activities in order to provide emergency relief.
Because CFK has local leadership, we are in a unique position to participate in relief efforts with the generous support of our donors.
We began food distribution, are providing emergency medical treatment and have plans to begin clothing distribution and temporary shelter activities.
The summer volunteer selection process will continue as planned, and the application deadline has been extended to Jan. 18.
Every structure around CFK's offices and clinic was burned to the ground. Kibera residents banded together and fought a gang of machete-bearing thugs to save CFK from the same fate.
CFK's programs, which reach more than 5,000 youth, promote ethnic reconciliation through sport. The willingness of the community to risk their lives for this mission is a sign of the value of CFK's work.
From SUDAN to Nourish International, UNC students have a remarkable history of supporting international victims of crisis.
If the seniors were to choose another fund based solely on the current violence in Kibera, it would be the first time, that I can recall, UNC students turned their backs on the tradition of bringing hope to those who need it most.
Emily R. Pierce
Vice President
Carolina for Kibera
I was disappointed by the suggestion in "UNC's Kenya NGO Closed," (Jan. 9) that seniors would or should reconsider their contribution to Carolina for Kibera.
CFK underscores Senior Class President Ashley Shores' appeal, urging seniors not to abandon the cause at this critical moment in Kibera. Indeed, I can think of no other moment in which gifts from the class of 2008 would have a greater impact in the lives of the people CFK serves than now.
CFK is not closed but has temporarily suspended its regular activities in order to provide emergency relief.
Because CFK has local leadership, we are in a unique position to participate in relief efforts with the generous support of our donors.
We began food distribution, are providing emergency medical treatment and have plans to begin clothing distribution and temporary shelter activities.
The summer volunteer selection process will continue as planned, and the application deadline has been extended to Jan. 18.
Every structure around CFK's offices and clinic was burned to the ground. Kibera residents banded together and fought a gang of machete-bearing thugs to save CFK from the same fate.
CFK's programs, which reach more than 5,000 youth, promote ethnic reconciliation through sport. The willingness of the community to risk their lives for this mission is a sign of the value of CFK's work.
From SUDAN to Nourish International, UNC students have a remarkable history of supporting international victims of crisis.
If the seniors were to choose another fund based solely on the current violence in Kibera, it would be the first time, that I can recall, UNC students turned their backs on the tradition of bringing hope to those who need it most.
Emily R. Pierce
Vice President
Carolina for Kibera
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