The Buzz from Bella Luccè

Now is the time!

September 18, 2008

If you have ever been moved by the mission of Women For Women but have been hesitant to donate, then I urge you to consider the opportunity once again. Zainab Salib, founder of Women For Women, has just sent out this plea. I truly believe that the mission could not be more important and the time could not be more critical.

Dear Lela,
I have exciting news to share with you - and it couldn’t have come at a better time! A good friend of Women for Women International has offered to match every gift we receive between now and October 31st, up to $100,000. Your gift today will be worth double when it is matched, which means we can put our plans into action to help more women survivors of war. Your gift of $8.00 becomes $16.00 , or $12.00 becomes $24.00 . Whatever you give will be worth twice as much when it is matched.

One of our highest priorities in the upcoming months is helping to relieve the effects of the world food crisis by bringing a new farming program to the women of Southern Sudan. Right now, the global food crisis is threatening the health and lives of the women we serve, and their families. According to the World Food Program, the recent spike in food prices has forced 100 million people into extreme poverty.

In response to this crisis - and in keeping with our mission of mobilizing women survivors of war - Women for Women International has launched our Commercial Integrated Farming Initiative (CIFI), a unique farming program that represents a long-term, sustainable solution.

We’ve already seen great success with the program in Rwanda. Our goal now is to expand CIFI to Sudan, and eventually to many of the countries in which we work. Your matching gift helps us support these efforts for women we serve. More women in our CIFI program means more women creating sustainable solutions for Sudan. With your help, in just a few months, plots of land that were once empty and unused will become green, the ground covered with collard greens, bell peppers, watermelon, okra and more.

Some of the vegetables and fruits the women grow will help to feed their families. Others will be sold at market value to help them earn a much-needed income. With your support of this matching gift, everything is about to change for women survivors of war. Where once was hopelessness, there will be hope. Where once there was hunger, there will be food. CIFI represents long-term food security for thousands of families.

You have always been so generous to women survivors of war. Now I urge you to give as much as you can, because with this matching gift, your generosity goes twice as far - but only until October 31st! Thank you so much for your support and friendship. It means so much to us and the women we serve.

Gratefully,

Zainab Salib

Bella Luccè currently sponsors sisters from Nigeria, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Rwanda, Congo, Bonsia and Sudan. Their stories are touching and we frequently receive letters in the office thanking us for the support and keeping us posted on progress. It’s such an amazing group and such a rewarding experience for us…I hope you’ll consider it, too!