08.04.2020

1 million euros from UEM for Corona aid package

As of today, the United Evangelical Mission is providing a relief fund of 1 million euros to support its members in Africa, Asia and Germany in their fight against the COVID-19 virus.

 "To finance this enormous amount, we are releasing reserves which we can use for such catastrophes. Millions of people in Africa and Asia are currently without basic daily supplies because they are out of work due to curfews," said Volker Martin Dally, Secretary General of the VEM.

UEM is counting on the solidarity of its community and therefore calls on churches, church districts, congregations and partnerships to contribute financially to the emergency aid basket in order to put together an effective aid package to contain the virus. Donations from companies and individuals are also welcome.

Extensive catalogue of measures adopted

The appropriations will be used for the following actions:

- Support for the poor and most vulnerable through the distribution of food, hygiene products and access to clean water

- information campaigns to raise public awareness, including radio and TV spots

- Training and equipping the churches to conduct online worship services

- Support for medical facilities of the churches

- Carrying out diagnostic tests in treatment centres to stem the further spread of coronavirus

- Support for the purchase and production of medical hygiene products such as masks, disinfectants and soaps.

Information on the current situation in the local communities is disseminated promptly via the UEM network. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, prayer requests have been exchanged daily via the social media. The information is available to the public via the website link www.vemission.org/united-against-corona.

The UEM head office in Wuppertal has set up a corona task force to coordinate emergency aid within the UEM communion, which can be reached via corona[at]vemission.org.

Martina Pauly (Head of Communication & Media)