World Vision joins World Humanitarian Day campaign: 'Do something good, somewhere, for someone else'

New York, NEW YORK (August 19, 2012) — This year on World Humanitarian Day (August 19), a campaign to reach one billion people on one day comes to a head with a single message: “This World Humanitarian Day I’m doing something good, somewhere, for someone else. Join me.”

World Vision joins with individuals around the world to draw attention to disasters and conflict that threaten the lives of millions and highlight all the great work that is bringing change and hope. World Humanitarian Day recognizes the vital role of humanitarian workers and remembers those who have lost their lives in trying to protect people from the impact of disasters.

There has never been a greater need for people do something good. Disasters are occurring more frequently, with greater force, and are causing higher levels of damage and destruction than ever before. As a result millions of children today face violence, insecurity, disease, and hunger.

Civil strife and conflicts continue to afflict countries across the globe, such as Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Climate change has contributed to a dramatic increase in the number and severity of natural disasters. Many parts of the African continent endure nearly permanent drought and food crises.

Today more than 18 million people are struggling to make ends meet as drought and food shortages grip the Sahel region of West Africa. It is estimated that more than one million children face severe and life-threatening malnutrition during the crisis there.

Right now, World Vision is working to bring hope to vulnerable children and families whose lives are threatened in the wake of disasters around the globe. Working in almost 100 countries worldwide, we join partners to provide relief assistance in some the world’s most hostile environments. World Vision’s dedicated humanitarian teams help to save lives and reduce suffering, while helping to protect and restore people’s livelihoods and strengthen communities against future disasters.

This World Humanitarian Day, we’re showing our support and doing something good. Please join us.

To show your support, please follow these five simple steps and help us celebrate humanity and the spirit of “people helping people.”

1. Visit whd-iwashere.org.
2. Click on “Add Your Voice Now”.
3. Choose to support World Humanitarian Day via Twitter, Facebook — or both — and get the word out to your friends and followers.
4. Continue tweeting (#WHD2012 #IWASHERE) and posting in the lead-up to August 19.
5. On August 19, make your mark by registering your World Humanitarian Day action.

Find out how you can help prevent end preventable deaths through our Child Health Now campaign.

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews