Collections for the Disasters Emergency Committee humanitarian aid appeal for Gaza will be taking place around the Isle of Man this weekend.

Although there is now a temporary ceasefire following sustained conflict in the region, the DEC estimates some 1.5m people in Gaza have no or very limited access to water or sanitation, over 200,000 urgently need food aid and more than 65,000 have had their homes destroyed. 

The health system is on the verge of collapse due to damaged buildings and acute shortages of medicines and medical supplies.  Reports from the BBC suggest over 2000 have been killed in the fighting since 8 July.  Around 75% of these were civilians including over 450 children.

Despite the turmoil, aid is getting through and the DEC Appeal has already raised ?7m in the UK which is being used to provide food, water and mobile medical care.

DEC appeals in the Isle of Man are co-ordinated by the One World Centre which forms part of the Rapid Response Network.  Volunteers will be collecting for the appeal in the following locations:

Ramsey and Port Erin – Friday 15th August
Douglas, Peel, Castletown and Port Erin – Saturday 16th August
Douglas – Sunday 17th August

More volunteer collectors are needed – anyone who is able to help is asked to call Rosemary Clarke on 800464 or email info@owciom.org as soon as possible.

More information about the appeal can be found at www.dec.org.uk.  Direct donations can also be made at the DEC website.