The LDS Church advanced its humanitarian aid initiative with a $3 million donation to the United Nations’ World Food Programme.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presented the donation in Rome on July 17 to the U.N. food program executive director Ertharin Cousin. The donation will help feed refugees and displaced peoples from Cameroon, Chad and Syria, according to a release on Mormon Newsroom.
“I presented a check to the World Food Programme on behalf of (members of the church). The generous offerings of our worldwide membership make such a donation possible, President Uchtdorf said. “Their commitment, their collective resolve to do something, and not just say something, will ultimately make a difference in the lives of God’s children.”
President Uchtdorf visited with refugees in Athens, Greece in two different camps hosted by Catholic Relief Services and International Rescue Committee. The church’s humanitarian group, LDS Charities, partners with CRS and IRC to help refugees worldwide, according to the release.
LDS Charities has partnered with the U.N. for three years in a row to help fight hunger. Last year, the church helped Ethiopians alleviate hunger during a bad drought, and in 2014, LDS Charities provided relief for those affected by Ebola.
In a recent Facebook post, President Uchtdorf talked about similar refugee experiences he had when he was a child. His family went into Germany as refugees and could only rely on the help of others.
“I pray we can be mindful of the needs of those who cannot help themselves. They may be from other countries, or they may be in our own nations, congregations, neighborhoods, or even families,” President Uchtdorf said. “Always be willing to give Christlike help and support. May we reach out to those in need and help them become self-reliant and able to help themselves.”
